Residents at Lake House in Banbury have been enjoying time outdoors this spring, thanks to the launch of our new Gardening club, held every Tuesday afternoon from 2:00–4:00pm. The group is open to all residents and members of the local community, and it has quickly become a highlight in our weekly activities.

The club supports residents to engage with nature, enjoy the fresh air, and spend meaningful time with others – all of which contribute to wellbeing, especially for those living with dementia. Lake House is fortunate to have a dementia-friendly garden, and our outdoor spaces are designed to be accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Gardening Together
In the first few weeks of the club, residents have worked together to plan and plant a new flower and herb garden. Week one started with a trip to the local garden centre, where residents selected bulbs and bedding plants for their outdoor space. In the following week, those plants were potted and planted in the garden, giving residents a chance to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of hands-on gardening.

By week three, the group began preparing a dedicated herb garden. Residents helped to clear raised beds ready for planting fragrant herbs such as mint, rosemary, and thyme – which will be used in future cooking and sensory sessions.

As the weeks progressed, residents and team members have worked side by side to weed and refresh the wider garden area. It’s a large project, but progress is being made each week – and we’ve had wonderful help from volunteers and visitors.

Support from the Community
Students from Banbury College have also joined the club as part of their work experience programme. The students helped with weeding and planting and enjoyed getting to know our residents during their visits. It has been a fantastic opportunity for intergenerational connection and learning.

Looking Ahead
Lake House residents are now preparing for OSJCT’s annual Trust in Bloom competition taking place this August. This friendly competition celebrates the wonderful gardens across the Trust, and our team is excited to take part and showcase what we’ve grown.

We’re also looking forward to welcoming visitors to our gardens for a special event in support of Katharine House Hospice, on Thursday 25 July, from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Guests will be invited to explore the garden, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about the work of our residents and team.

Supporting Wellbeing
Home Manager Alex Grindle shared her thoughts on the importance of outdoor spaces at Lake House:

“Our garden is a much-loved part of life at Lake House. It’s a place for everyone to enjoy — whether you’re planting, watering, or simply sitting with a cup of tea and taking in the surroundings. Gardening brings so many benefits, from physical movement to social connection, and we’re proud to offer an inclusive space where everyone can take part.”

Join Us
The Gardening Club at Lake House takes place every Tuesday from 2:00–4:00pm, and everyone is welcome. If you would like to get involved, support the project, or visit during our open garden event, please get in touch by emailing a.grindle@osjct.co.uk — we’d love to hear from you.