From little things big things grow

At Buderim Views residential care home, a community project is transforming green spaces into a vibrant hub of activity, sustainability and joy.

Early last year, residents and team members had an idea to grow their own vegetables and reduce food wastage at the home.

That vision has blossomed into the Goodness Garden project – an inspiring initiative that is creating lasting benefits for residents, family and friends.

With the support of the local community, fruit trees have been planted in the home’s grounds and wheelchair-accessible garden beds have been installed. Residents have been busy planting their edible gardens, growing everything from lettuce and eggplants to strawberries, tomatoes and herbs.

Silkie chickens and guinea pigs are exciting additions that are not only helping to manage food wastage but are also providing therapeutic benefits, offering companionship and joy to residents.

General Manager Yvonne Dalziel said the team was thrilled to see residents come together to create something so meaningful.

“Residents have been involved every step of the way, from designing garden bed placement to choosing plants,” she said.

“This project is about much more than growing produce – it’s fostering a sense of purpose, community and connection for everyone involved.”

With the first crops expected in the coming months, Head Chef Kylie is looking forward to incorporating the home-grown produce into meals.

The project is supported by the local Buderim Foundation which donated $10,000 to help bring the garden to life, with the chickens donated by a local farmer.

The Buderim Views team is now seeking volunteers to assist with garden maintenance, chicken grooming and even guinea pig ‘hairdressing’.

Featured image: Resident Dianna tending to plants in the Buderim Views Goodness Garden.
In-line image 1: Assembling the garden beds was a team effort.