(Front) Baptcare Wyndham Lodge residential care services manager Joyce Nyanjiru, resident Maria Rech, councillor Heather Marcus, Baptcare Wyndham Lodge lifestyle co-ordinator Sharon Oats and (back) landscapers Jase Ryan, Jarrad Twigg and Koby Frey
Creating a Peaceful Oasis: Baptcare Wyndham Lodge Begins Work on Renewal Garden for Residents
Work has officially begun on the highly anticipated “renewal” garden at Baptcare Wyndham Lodge in Werribee, a project that aims to provide residents with a tranquil outdoor space where they can relax, engage with nature, and find peace.
This new garden, located at the Watton Street aged care facility, is set to become a central feature of the lodge, offering a diverse range of elements designed to enhance the well-being of its residents. Among the garden’s many features will be a dedicated sensory area, filled with native plants that will stimulate the senses, raised garden beds that will be accessible to all residents, and a calming water feature to promote relaxation.
Sharon Oats, the lifestyle coordinator at Baptcare Wyndham Lodge, has been a driving force behind the project. She expressed that the establishment of this garden has been a long-held dream for the aged care facility, one that is finally coming to fruition.
“What this garden will give is a sense of welcome, purpose, sensory spaces, a depth of peace, and wellbeing and an improvement of overall quality of life for the residents, their families, staff, and volunteers – a gathering space,” Ms. Oats said.
She went on to highlight the long-term benefits of the garden, noting that it is not just for the current residents but will also be a cherished space for those who will call Wyndham Lodge home in the future. “Residents not only of today, but those who come to call Wyndham Lodge home in the future, will reap the rewards of having a space to enjoy.”
Wyndham councillor Heather Marcus, who is known for her love of gardening and whose sister is a resident at Wyndham Lodge, played an active role in the planning and development of the garden. Her personal connection to the facility and her passion for horticulture made her a valuable contributor to the project.
“I know firsthand how much joy and satisfaction the older residents will find in this garden,” Councillor Marcus said. “In aged care facilities, it’s so important for people to have opportunities for social interaction and to spend time outdoors, enjoying the environment. This garden will be a beautiful addition to the lodge, providing a space where residents can either sit and appreciate the beauty of the plants or get involved by doing a bit of gardening themselves, like pulling out weeds or raking leaves if they wish.”
Councillor Marcus emphasized the importance of outdoor spaces in aged care facilities, noting that such environments can significantly enhance residents’ quality of life. “This garden will not only be a place of beauty but also a source of joy and engagement for the residents, offering them a chance to reconnect with nature and with each other.”
