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Andy - Gardener at Ashberry Healthcare, Hereford Homes

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Meet Andy, Our New Gardener!

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Andy has been with Ashberry Healthcare for just a month, but he's already made a significant impact on the gardens at our Hereford homes. His work has brought vibrant colour and life to the outdoor spaces, making them a joy for both residents and staff.

Transforming Our Gardens

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Andy splits his time between our two Hereford locations, where he is dedicated to maintaining and improving the gardens. One of his key initiatives is to grow most, if not all, of the plants from seed. This approach not only beautifies our gardens but also offers a unique experience for our residents, who can watch as the fruits and vegetables they will eventually enjoy grow and thrive. Andy plans to introduce a polytunnel, which will help nurture these young plants and encourage residents to participate in gardening activities, enhancing their mental and physical well-being.

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A Passionate and Experienced Gardener

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Before joining us, Andy worked as a gardener at another care home, managing four large gardens. While the scale of that job often limited the time he could spend on each garden, he's now excited to focus more deeply on the gardens at Ashberry. Here, he feels he can truly make a difference in creating beautiful and relaxing spaces for our residents.

Andy discovered his love for gardening after leaving school at 16, when he enrolled in a forestry course. There, he learned about plants and sustainable landscaping, sparking a passion that has guided his career ever since.

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Engaging with Residents

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Andy is eager to involve more residents in gardening, and he's already started building relationships. At Holmer Court, residents John and Peter have been actively involved in growing vegetables in the raised beds, and they're proud of the flourishing garden they've helped create. Andy values the wisdom and stories shared by the residents, who often reminisce about their own gardening experiences. This shared passion not only enhances the garden but also strengthens the sense of community.

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Future Plans

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Looking ahead, Andy hopes to establish a gardening club to engage even more residents. He envisions creating a sensory garden with a water feature, wind chimes, and aromatic herbs to stimulate the senses. Additionally, he plans to design a remembrance garden and ensure all garden areas are fully accessible, so every resident can enjoy them.

Andy says working in the gardens at Holmer Court feels like tending to his own back garden—a homely and comforting experience. We are thrilled to have Andy on our team and can't wait to see how he continues to transform our gardens into vibrant and nurturing spaces for all.

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