A lifelong gardener has taken charge of the garden at a Grimsby care home, creating colourful flower beds for fellow residents to enjoy.
Mervyn White, who lives at Fairways Care Centre on Little Coates Road in Grimsby, has spent much of the spring and summer planting, watering and looking after the garden. During the recent hot weather, he has even been out gardening at night when temperatures have been cooler.
His interest in gardening began when he was a child, helping his mum and dad in the garden at their home in Spalding, Lincolnshire. At Fairways, he has planted a wide range of flowers, including Lamb’s Ears, which are known for attracting bees. Mervyn is keen to encourage pollinators into the garden, while also creating a colourful space for other residents to sit and enjoy.
Mervyn said: “I’ve always enjoyed gardening. I started by helping my mum and dad when I was young and I’ve carried on ever since. I like seeing the flowers come out and watching the bees coming into the garden. The other residents enjoy sitting outside too, so it’s nice that they get something from it.”
Fairways Care Centre is a purpose-built 53-bed care home owned and managed by not-for-profit social care provider HICA Group, providing residential, dementia, respite and end-of-life care.
The home’s garden was entered into HICA’s annual HICA in Bloom competition and Mervyn has also been presented with a certificate by HICA CEO Terry Peel in recognition of his efforts.
Mervyn is now turning his attention to autumn and plans to replant part of the garden to introduce more seasonal colour.
Terry Peel, CEO of HICA, said: “Mervyn has put an enormous amount of work into the garden at Fairways and you can see how much he enjoys doing it. He has kept on top of the watering throughout the hot weather and is already planning what he wants to do next for autumn. The garden is enjoyed by residents and staff alike, and it was lovely to be able to recognise everything he has done.”
