Article originally published in “Stockton News” September 2009.
A brand new garden development is being enjoyed thanks to green fingered tenants at Aspen Gardens in Hardwick.
With spades at the ready, local company Green Onion Landscaping joined enthusiastic residents and staff to celebrate the first removal of turf at the extra-care scheme.
The project was part funded by Stockton-on-Tees Primary Care Trust (PCT) through a scheme to develop and offer a wide range of opportunities for people over 50 to enjoy physical activity outdoors.
Stockton Council’s Health and Fitness development officer, Carla Jackson, said: “This is a fantastic project for the tenants of Aspen Gardens and for them to be involved in the upkeep of the garden will have many physical and therapeutic benefits.”
“It is a great way for people to stay mobile and active and to see the tenants grow their own vegetables will be very satisfying as well as healthy, which is what the project is all about.”
The garden will be used as both a working garden with seasonal plants and vegetables and as a place to relax for tenants.
Services and Facilities Manager for Aspen Gardens, Charis Gracie, said: “Tenants are really enthusiastic about the project and they can’t wait to get the planting started.
“We have a number of keen gardeners living here and this is a fabulous opportunity for them to continue a hobby they enjoy and we are sure the garden will bring pleasure to all our tenants now and in the future.”
