Residents at a Melksham care home had the chance to build a lasting community connection recently as they helped bring to life a unique upcycled garden project beside the town’s Waitrose store – just in time for VE Day’s 80th anniversary.
Four residents of Blenheim House, a luxury care home belonging to the Berkley Care Group, paid a visit to the garden recently to support the local initiative.
The idea was hatched by Jo Baylis, a Waitrose employee and daughter of Blenheim House resident Margaret. Jo has been caring for the patch of land next to the supermarket for several months, and this year wanted to do something extra special.
Residents at the home painted wooden spoons with their own designs and messages, which became part of a new ‘Spoon Garden’ – the centrepiece of the upcycled space.
The garden also features handmade poppies crocheted from leftover wool, teacups turned into flowers, wooden planters crafted by Jo’s father Derek, and old bicycle wheels used to support climbing plants. Bug hotels and reused flower pots help support pollinators in the area.
The Spoon Garden was planted by residents and staff from Blenheim House – alongside Jo – on Wednesday 7th May, who then collectively enjoyed tea and cake to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Many passers-by paused to admire the display and share how much the garden brightened their day.
The visit also tied in with Earth Day, which Blenheim celebrated recently, highlighting the importance of reuse and sustainability. The care home hopes to continue supporting similar projects in the local community throughout the year.
Events manager at Blenheim House, Chris Preston, said, “Jo has done a fantastic job turning that space into something special, and we were proud to help. Our residents loved painting their spoons and being part of a project that celebrates both community spirit and VE Day.
“Seeing their work on display and hearing kind words from the public meant a great deal to them – and working with local people and partners made it even more meaningful. It’s a lovely reminder of what can be achieved with a little imagination and community spirit.”
Customer assistant at Waitrose, Jo Bayliss, said, “It’s been a lovely initiative to work on, and I’m so glad to have played a role in creating something special for Blenheim House residents to mark VE Day.
“We enjoyed some cake and tea while looking at our VE Day display, and the residents’ very kindly decorated wooden spoons are the perfect addition to our garden for all to enjoy.”