Gardening can stimulate all senses, it gives our older loved ones the opportunity to enjoy nature and is rewarding with the outcome of beautiful flowers and plants!
Gardening has many physical and well being benefits for older people. Gardening is known to reduce stress and has benefits for the immune system thanks to spending time in the fresh air. Gardening is also known to have benefits for people living with dementia. It can help to re-ignite past hobbies, can help with reminiscence or therapy / well being work and can support a sense of achievement. If your loved one has a garden, a back yard with room for a few pots or even a windowsill spare consider supporting them to grow a few plants. This can be done in a relaxing way which promotes gentle exercise and does not put too much strain on the body.
Poplar Tree Garden Centre & Coffee Shop, Shincliffe, Durham.
This gem of a garden centre in Shincliffe is well worth a visit! The garden centre has ample parking and a large selection of plants and flowers as well as garden furniture and ornaments. The garden centre also have florists who have been designing gorgeous bouquets and arrangements over the past 15 years. The florists can create bespoke arrangements for any occasion on request.
After browsing the many plants and flowers, Poplar Tree has a large and airy Garden Room where you can enjoy a cuppa or a spot of lunch. They have a vast menu of treats, lunches and hot and cold drinks.
In the summer months the garden centre also boasts a lovely outdoor seating area enabling you to enjoy the fresh air and lovely surroundings.
This garden centre is a firm favourite with many of our clients who enjoy visiting here with their Care Professionals for companionship.
Pity Me Nursery & Tea Barn Framwellgate Moor Durham
Pity Me nursery in Framwellgate Moor Durham is perfect for those who do not wish to visit a larger garden centre. It is on the smaller side and has a more intimate feel. The ‘Tea Barn’ at the nursery has a lovely café with an extension on the side which boats a cosy wood burning fire for those colder days! Imagine having a hot cuppa in the Autumn and winter by a wood burning fire! A great choice also for a breakfast sandwich, light lunch, scones and cakes. They also have a nice patio for warmer days. For those who are doggie lovers Pity Me Nursery also has a dog friendly area.
Lanchester Garden Centre
A good few hours can easily be spent enjoying Lanchester Garden Centre! A big centre with ample car parking. There are also spaces dedicated for disabled badge holders located near the entrance for less mobile customers. The garden centre has a large outdoor area with shorts walks to enjoy around their lush garden areas as well as a large shop for your planting needs. In the summer it also has an ice cream counter with a little seating area where an ice cream can be enjoyed in the sun (who doesn’t enjoy an ice cream in the hot weather!). Lanchester Garden Centre also has a good aquatic centre with indoor and outdoor fish. A ‘must -see’ is Potters World which is a hidden gem!! For a small entrance fee, visitors can see the animals. It has a regular ‘rain storm’ (umbrella’s available and needed!) for a rainforest experience. Potters World is a lovely experience for the whole family. Our clients love to visit with their Care Professionals for something a bit different and also enjoy going with their grandchildren who can enjoy the educational area. The garden centre boasts a large restaurant with comfy chairs and a varied menu as well as a deli takeaway. In the summer there is also a large outdoor seated area with lovely views of the surrounding countryside in Durham with table service.
Dobbies Garden Centre
Dobbies Birtley is a favourite for our clients who live in Birtley and the Chester-Le-Street areas. It is one of the biggest chain of garden centres and everything you need to enjoy your home and garden from flowers and plants to tools, furniture and homeware. They often have in store ‘how to grow’ demonstrations if your loved ones are more of a novice gardener to learn a few tips.
Dobbies also has a restaurant serving breakfasts and lunches aplenty. They refresh their menu depending upon the season.
Dobbies often hold seasonal themed events such as festive afternoon team. Their Christmas decorations are not to be missed! A seat on Santa’s knee may be required!! (hee hee!) Plenty to see aside from gardening needs here!
Elmtree Farm Garden Nursery and Tea Room
Situated in Washington, Elmtree has a great range of high quality stock available at the Nursery. Their staff are knowledgeable to help our clients with their gardening needs.
Of course, they also have a popular tea room with mouth watering savouries and delicious cakes! (I’m guessing you are realising our love of a garden centre tea room!). They also cater well for people with special dietary needs. The garden centre is dog friendly for our clients who like to take their furry friends.
Elmtree has a good selection of outdoor plants, seeds and gardening tools for those who may have an allotment or who may be interested in starting to ‘grow their own’.
Busy work schedule? Struggling to find the time to support your loved ones in the way that you would like with their hobbies? Support at home could be ideal for your elderly relative to receive companionship and explore their hobbies.
Find out more about elderly HOME CARE IN DURHAM (needs hyperlink) with ‘Home Instead’ from our local team now.