Green-fingered resident turns Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court into a botanical beauty

Les Langley, a resident at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, in Berkshire, has started transforming his Home. He recently selected an array of beautiful plants for his fellow residents to enjoy when walking through the Home’s leafy grounds.

As a volunteer heritage gardener for South Hill Park, in Bracknell, Les had the expertise to carefully select plants according to their aspect and the soil they require. Colourful patio plants and perfect perennials were his final choices for the Home’s planting scheme.

He said:

I thoroughly enjoy my gardening, both in the Home and at South Hill Park. We have made some great friends within the Gardening Club, and I really look forward to going on a Wednesday morning.

I love to be active and enjoy a good chat, some hard work, and tea and biscuits.

As a green-fingered person, Les enjoys his weekly sessions with a group of volunteers, Bracknell Forest Council Heritage Team and Sharon Fletcher, one of the Activities Coordinators at the Home.

She says:

We were welcomed with open arms and Les’ mobility restrictions have been accommodated so he gets full enjoyment from gardening.

Sharon also highlights how beneficial this activity is for Les’ mental health and wellbeing. She says:

He has made lots of new friends, and he’s been able to develop his plant and garden knowledge!

Activities Coordinator Sharon Fletcher and resident Les rejoice together after replanting the herb borders at South Hill Park, in Bracknell.

Regarding these benefits, resident Les explains:

Mixing with others is brilliant as I am a very sociable person. Even at my age, I am eager to be learning new things about plants! It’s so important to keep my brain busy.

Then, with a mischievous laugh, he adds:

Showing Sharon the skills of being a good gardener, she now knows the difference between a flower and a weed!

Both residents and staff at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court are now looking forward to seeing their new plants grow. They know the plants will bring them joy every time they step out into the Home’s gardens.

[Summary: Les Langley, a resident at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, in Wokingham (Berkshire), selected an array of beautiful plants for his fellow residents and staff to enjoy when walking through the Home’s grounds. Les is a volunteer heritage gardener for South Hill Park, in Bracknell, so he had the expertise to select plants according to their aspect and the soil they require. He has made many friends as a volunteer gardener.]