Selfless community project improves gardens at Capecare

Capecare residents and members of the Geographe Bay Gardening Club got their hands dirty planting a variety of flowers and hardy vegetation after a donation of more than $500 in gardening supplies was made by Soils Aint Soils Dunsborough.

The initiative was created after several Capecare residents discussed they’d like a more interactive garden – inspiring Jan Smith, who resides in the Capecare Independent Living Apartments, to reach out to her gardening club and work friends at Soils Aint Soils.

“It all came about because some of the residents wanted to add their own touch to the gardens,” Ms Smith said. “So, I did some site visits, and we were lucky enough to receive a large donation of plants from the local business, as well as soil conditioners and fertilisers.”

Ms Smith said the community initiative was also a good project for the Capecare residents to get involved with, because it promoted positive mental health and fun. “However, there are a lot of residents who are no longer capable, but therapeutically it’s important for them to have a garden that is beautiful and well maintained.”

“Some of the more senior residents came down too and we helped them to put some plants in. They really enjoyed it, they loved it. They all went off feeling very happy,” Ms Smith said.

The project is estimated to have installed more than 250 plants at Capecare Dunsborough, including many species requiring little upkeep. “I think it was lovely we were given the opportunity,” Ms Smith said. “The generosity of Soils Aint Soils was beautiful. It shows a great commitment to the joy of assisting others, and they were very happy to do that.”