Pupils from a primary school in Wrexham have recently enjoyed an alfresco art class at some dementia-friendly gardens at a care home in the area.
Gwersyllt CP Primary School children spent time drawing and colouring at the multi-coloured gardens of Pendine Park, an 11-acre care facility, admired for its beautiful displays and therapeutic qualities.
The displays are all developed by head gardener Andrew Jones and his team.
Bodlondeb home manager, Ann Chapman said: "The gardens are absolutely beautiful and the residents really appreciate them."
"Sometimes, especially if someone is having a difficult day then we take them for a walk in the gardens and the sight of the flowers and trees has a really positive effect on them."
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The school and Pendine Park hold a special relationship, with the pupils regularly visiting and sharing their art classes with their elderly pals.
Elizah Flewitt, 11, has a bond with resident Lynn Kelly, describing her as a best friend.
Pupil Elizah Flewitt 11 with resident Lynn Kelly (Image: Rick Matthews)
The little one said: "We’re best friends and I love spending time with her and drawing the gardens though I don’t like colouring them in".
Ms Kelly added: "I like the activities with the school.
"We sit out and colour and paint.
"I love the roses and the bluebells."
Fellow student, Naomi Hope, said: "I come to Pendine regularly and really like meeting the residents and the art that we do.
"The gardens are gorgeous."
Assistant head teacher, Jacquie O’Toole said: "The pupils pay regular visits to the care home for art lessons and to interact with the residents.
"The gardens here are beautiful and the children often comment on the colours and the lovely fragrances of the flowers."
Head gardener Andrew Jones and resident Terence Richards enjoying the garden (Image: Rick Matthews)
The care home’s lawns and courtyards serve as ideal sites for picnics and outdoor activities during the summer.
Head gardener, Mr Jones, has devoted a decade to looking after the space for the residents, also designing a sensory garden that stimulates through colour, texture, and fragrance.
Mr Jones said: "I originally thought I might go back to Hampshire but I’ve loved it here and get on really well with Mario and Gill who love horticulture and gardening.
"My job has been to raise the game here and hopefully I’ve done that."
He also said: "It’s been a difficult start to this year in the gardens because it was a very wet winter and it’s been a cold spring and early summer but it’s coming right now and the gardens are looking good again."
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