Rand Aid facilities launch garden project to benefit staff

Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) and Elphin Lodge Retirement Village launched a green project that allows employees to grow their skills and reap the rewards

The two Rand Aid facilities launched the Eden Veggie Garden Competition in mid-March to provide an opportunity for its domestic and care staff to learn how to grow vegetables and savour their hard work.

The project was inspired by RSCC’s sister Leanie Bessinger and sister Thili Madiba from RSCC’s Woodlands wing after they discussed the economy and the increasing food prices.

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“Everything is becoming increasingly expensive, especially food.

“We were thinking of ways to help our staff, but also empower them, when we came up with the idea of a veggie garden for each of our wings and RSCC and Elphin Lodge’s domestic staff,” said Leanie.

Employees could choose to participate and 90% were eager to take part.

“Each wing is responsible for its own garden, from planting the seeds to weeding.

She said the staff take home the vegetables they are growing.

Rand Aid provided each wing with a starter kit, consisting of a seedling tray and various seeds that are in season.

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“I have not seen such joy and happiness among the staff in a long time; they could not wait to get going.

“They are enthusiastic and busy in their gardens daily. They have also drawn up rosters on who does what.

“I walk the garden route every day to assess the progress and see if anyone needs help.

“I love seeing veggies grow. It is extremely satisfying to plant a seed and end up with a product you can eat,” said Leanie.

The staff’s enthusiasm has also spilt over to Rand Aid’s Inyoni Creek Retirement Village, which has also started a veggie garden.

So far, onions, spinach, cabbage, potatoes, beetroot, peas, beans, gem squash, carrots, lettuce and tomatoes have been planted in the gardens located on RSCC’s grounds, close to their wings.

Elphin’s garden is in the retirement village grounds.

RSCC’s Portia Ngobeni said she is excited to grow a vegetable garden in the city.

She said it reminds her of home where she had her own garden.

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“We are grateful for the opportunity to plant veggies,” she highlighted.

Leanie said residents are also enjoying the gardens, watching the plants progress.

She said everyone thinks it is a wonderful idea.

A special thank you to Servest, which dug the gardens, and to Elphin Lodge manager Helen Petrie, who donated compost and gardening tools for each garden.

“Thank you to our residents’ families who donated a huge number of seeds, plants, compost, potting soil and planters,” said Leanie.

The gardens will be judged by Leanie, matron Avril Maltman and Helen in mid-December.

Any donations of vegetable seeds, compost, seedling trays, pots, pavers and second-hand gardening tools will be appreciated.

These can be dropped off at reception for the care centre and the retirement village.