The Lonehill Senior Citizens Coffee Club’s late Valentine’s Day celebration brought together over 50 senior citizens to celebrate love and garden advice.

The celebration, at Dino’s, saw Dr Cary Goodwin, from Colourful Splendours Nursery, sharing valuable gardening insights with the seniors. Goodwin, a familiar and well-loved guest speaker at the club, spoke about different plant varieties, their care requirements, and ways to refresh home gardens with new selections.

Club founders Adele Romanis and Lorna Kurz said members already enjoy spending time tending to their gardens, but the talk offered inspiration, and introduced them to new plants they may not have considered before.

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Goodwin emphasised the wide-ranging benefits of gardening, particularly for older adults. “It’s actually wonderful because plants are so healthy. They keep people active in a gentle, gradual way.

“The joy they receive from gardening is incredible. When you put your hands into soil, you get the same endorphins as when you have a slab of chocolate. The benefits of gardening are innumerable.”

She added that gardening encourages seniors to stay outdoors, connect with nature, and enjoy simple pleasures, such as birdwatching, while also promoting social interaction. “It also helps with companionship, because many plants are meant for sharing, whether it’s giving someone flowers, sharing cuttings, or gifting a plant. Plants have a wonderful way of bringing communities together, no matter your age.”

As part of the celebration, each club member received a plant sponsored by the coffee club, with additional plant discounts provided by the nursery, giving attendees something special to take home and nurture.

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