Residents at Orchard House Care Home in Wisbech have once again rolled up their sleeves and embraced the new growing season with energy and enthusiasm as part of the ongoing Feed Fenland project. With spring in full swing, the home’s gardening club has been hard at work preparing for another successful year of cultivating fresh produce for the local community.
Keen green-fingered residents Audrey and Renee have taken the lead this season, carefully sorting seeds, sowing them into trays, and tidying up the flower beds in readiness for the seedlings to be planted out. The home’s garden is buzzing with life and excitement as everyone pitches in to nurture the young plants. Once the seedlings are strong enough, residents will proudly take them up to Orchard House’s allotment plots, where the vegetables will continue to grow as part of the Feed Fenland initiative – a local project supporting families and individuals with access to fresh, homegrown produce.
The Feed Fenland project has become a much-loved part of life at Orchard House. In previous years, residents have grown everything from runner beans and courgettes to carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes – all of which have been delivered to food banks and community groups to help tackle food poverty in the region. The project has also strengthened community ties, with residents and local volunteers regularly visiting the allotments together to water, weed, and harvest the produce.
Miranda, Lifestyle Lead at Orchard House, shared,
“It’s been amazing to see the residents so engaged and motivated again this year. Audrey and Renee have been brilliant – they’re so knowledgeable and passionate about gardening. Everyone’s really proud to be doing their bit for the community, and it gives us all a great sense of purpose and joy.”
Sarah, the home’s General Manager, added,
“The Feed Fenland project reflects everything Orchard House stands for – compassion, community, and meaningful activity. It’s about more than just gardening; it’s about making a difference and showing that no matter your age, you can still give back and be a part of something bigger.”
With the growing season now underway, Orchard House residents are looking forward to another summer of digging, planting, and giving. The team can’t wait to see their seedlings thrive – and to once again share the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labour with the local community.
