BaptistCare expands resident-led gardening initiative to support healthy ageing

New research is increasingly highlighting the important role gardening can play in healthy ageing and living well for longer. At BaptistCare’s Strathalan retirement community in Macleod, Melbourne, a resident-led initiative is helping residents continue gardening and has been such a hit, it’s now expanding into the neighbouring residential aged care home.

What began as a casual conversation among residents on the golf course has blossomed into a thriving community initiative, transforming an underused area of the village into a vibrant and accessible garden space.

“It’s grown well beyond what we ever imagined,” said Greg Selkrig, President of the Strathalan BaptistCare Residents Committee.

The Welcome Garden has been supported by BaptistCare and funded through a local government grant made available through the Big Build North East Community Fund. The garden features a range of accessible and low-maintenance elements, including an electric pergola and innovative wicking garden beds that reduce watering requirements and minimise bending, making it easier for residents to participate.

The project has been designed to remove many of the physical barriers traditionally associated with gardening, enabling residents to continue enjoying a lifelong passion.

The gardening program aligns with growing evidence about the role nature-based activities can play in supporting healthy ageing.

Research from the Australian Research Institute for Innovation in Aged Care (ARIIA) has found gardening can improve social connection, wellbeing and quality of life for older people, while also providing a sense of purpose and achievement.

Greg Selkrig said the project has exceeded expectations and is now inspiring opportunities to connect with residents in the neighbouring BaptistCare Strathalan community residential aged care home.
“Once we saw how many people were getting involved, and the joy it brought people, including the interest from residents in the nearby aged care home, we started thinking about how we could include them as well,” Mr Selkrig said.

“Gardening isn’t just about planting and weeding. It’s about choosing what to grow, enjoying the flowers and herbs, and creating something together. It’s become a wonderful way for people to connect.”

“This spring, we are holding a Garden Care Day where aged care residents, family members and the wider community can get involved. Visitors can either bring a plant or donate their time on the day.”

The gardening initiatives at BaptistCare Strathalan are also inspiring family members and the local community to get involved, through the creation of shared, intergenerational spaces where people can contribute, learn and spend time together.

Trudi Walters, BaptistCare Strathalan resident and gardening group coordinator said the project has been transformational in ways she never expected.

“The garden has given people a real sense of pride in where they live. Balconies and courtyards are full of colour, people are sharing ideas about what to plant next, and there’s always someone stopping for a chat,” Ms Walters said.

“Seeing the gardening projects evolve here is really lovely—it brings a lot of people together.”

For more information about our Strathalan Retirement Living community visit this link: Strathalan Retirement Living