“The program is contributing to the active participation of residents in hands-on activities”

“Great to see the progress and interactions of the residents”

“ A positive impact in the lives of our residents”

The benefits of Cath Manuel’s therapeutic gardening program can be seen on the faces of our residents who attend her weekly sessions in our Memory Support Unit.

Living with dementia can make daily activities challenging and frustrating, so it is beautiful to watch the group laughing and interacting together, reminiscing about gardens they have tended to in the past. For many of them, the feel of the soil between their fingers has unlocked gardening skills that have remained hidden in recent years.

To have seedlings to care for and gardens to water has provided a purpose for them again. The feedback from staff and relatives has been incredibly positive.

I look forward to Soil to Supper gardening sessions with Cath being outside in the garden helps my physical and mental wellbeing.

I enjoy sowing seeds, propagating, planting seedlings, watering, watching them grow, mulching, keeping the compost going. It’s all part of the cycle of life in the garden.

Therapeutic gardening program a veritable lifesaver…

There is no doubt in my mind that Cath Manuel’s Therapeutic Gardening Program has been one of the most significant positive influences on my recovery from Major Depression and General Anxiety Disorder.

From the initial planning session onward, Cath uses a collaborative approach to the creation of my weekly gardening sessions. Developing the program to meet my physical, mental and emotional needs appears to come natural to Cath.

My active involvement in planning ensures that I get the maximum benefit from every gardening session. Initially I was capable of limited input to this process however with Cath’s increasing knowledge of my needs and limitations, and using her horticultural knowledge and experience, she was able to draw on my gradually returning capabilities.

Over time I was more confident and increasingly able to contribute to the planning process.

I value our weekly, two-and-a-half hour gardening sessions immensely and eagerly look forward to them. The program naturally varies from week to week, depending on the seasons, vagaries of the weather and tasks needing attention.

Being such a “hands-on” activity, gardening can be exhausting and satisfying both physically and mentally… and therein lies the reason why Cath’s Therapeutic Gardening Program has been, and still is, an absolute winner and a Godsend for me…

A very big thank-you Cath.

We are very grateful for the amazing contribution Cath Manuel (Soil to Supper) makes to our CSTARS recovery program and to the people participating.

Cath engages people and designs a weekly program that is flexible to abilities and interests.

Cath is a consistent, fun, and knowledgeable presence who designs a program that builds confidence and competence, igniting interests and passions. We also see a remarkable improvement in our garden, outdoor spaces, and harvest – as Cath and our people complete plans and goals. 

From a mental health perspective, Cath’s groups provide social inclusion in a soothing and welcoming environment, promoting better insight, self-care, and practical mindfulness skills.

We celebrate the positive working relationships Cath has nurtured as she works with our staff and residents. Cath works effectively with a diverse range of people. She utilises her expertise in gardening and healthy lifestyle, promoting skill and social development.

The “Soil to Supper” program at Greenhill Aged Care has become a transformative initiative, significantly enhancing the lives of our residents. This hands-on gardening program has sparked a noticeable eagerness among residents to engage and participate. We’ve observed a reduction in challenging behaviours and an increased use of our outdoor spaces, fostering a stronger sense of belonging.

Many residents actively remember and carry out gardening tasks, such as watering the plants, which adds to their daily routine and sense of purpose.

The program taps into activities that residents may have enjoyed in their younger years, stimulating meaningful engagement. Gardening has become a platform for social interaction, physical activity, and sensory stimulation—through touch, smell, and taste—contributing to overall well-being. The courtyard, now a vibrant and colourful space, has received positive feedback from both staff and families, who appreciate the enhanced visual appeal and the relaxed, welcoming environment.

The improved garden space benefits everyone—residents, staff, and visitors—by creating a focal point where the community can gather, relax, and enjoy nature. This aligns perfectly with our facility’s goals of supporting resident well-being and quality of life.

The program continues to make a profound impact on the daily lives of our residents, enriching their experiences and enhancing their connection to the world around them.