Soil To Supper – A Meaningful Connection at Greenhill

At Greenhill Aged Care, we believe in nurturing not just the body but the soul.

That’s why we introduced Soil to Supper on 5th October 2023 — a weekly gardening initiative designed to connect our residents with nature and create an environment where they can continue to engage in meaningful, hands-on activities. Facilitated by the lovely Narelle, this two-hour session brings together both the therapeutic benefits of gardening and the joy of growing fresh produce.

Initially starting with just 5-6 residents, the program has grown and now has 20 residents participating each week. Even when the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor activities, ‘Soil to Supper’ is adapted and moved inside, ensuring everyone can participate no matter the season.

Program Highlights

One of the highlights is the access to raised garden beds at both facilities, which allow all residents to engage fully with the process. The vege pods come in handy — covered to keep the birds away while still offering a hands-on experience. These gardening areas have been the foundation for planting a wide variety of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruit, with the goal of not only enjoying the therapeutic process of growing but also benefiting from the produce.

Harvesting the Benefits

The success of Soil to Supper has been felt both in the garden and the kitchen. Fresh herbs grown by our residents have made their way to the kitchen, where they’re used as garnishes, enhancing the dishes prepared for our community. Lemons harvested from the garden have found their way onto the menu, adding a fresh zest to our fish and chip days. Additionally, residents have thoroughly enjoyed harvesting and eating fresh spinach grown with care and attention.

It’s not just the residents who are getting involved — families are also participating, making this initiative a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between loved ones and the facility. This inclusion provides reassurance to families, knowing their loved ones can continue with past activities and remain active. These gardening sessions are adapted to suit everyone’s physical abilities, ensuring that all residents can enjoy the experience.

The Connection to Earth

The concept behind Soil to Supper was born out of a desire to reconnect our residents with the earth and the simple joy of gardening. Jamie Drury, a well-known gardening guru inspired the Greenhill team, emphasising the connection we feel through our senses — touch, feel, smell, taste, and sight.

Residents have found immense joy in watching their seedlings grow into flourishing plants, witnessing the progress from tiny seeds to blooming flowers. The act of nurturing these plants has not only brought satisfaction but has also triggered cherished memories, particularly for those who relied heavily on their own vegetable gardens. Listening to the stories of our residents as they reminisce about these experiences has been heartwarming.

At Soil to Supper, we’re not just growing plants; we’re cultivating memories, connections, and a deep sense of wellbeing. This program is more than just gardening—it’s about nurturing the senses, fostering a sense of community, and celebrating the joy of life, one seed at a time.

To find out more about Greenhill Aged Care and to book a tour please contact Johanna on 02 4239 5244 or click this link