Robin began working at The Park nearly two years ago as a support worker, not long after she started supporting James with his course at Duchy College. James was taking part in various activities, including singing and signing, small animal care and gardening. Of the latter two activities, James said he enjoyed gardening the most, especially the physical aspects like potting plants, raking soil, and sweeping up leaves. Inspired by James’s enthusiasm, Robin came up with the idea for them to create four flower beds to attract butterflies and bees @ThePark. She chose locations that would be most visible to both residents and visitors, making the project a shared experience for everyone. Robin shared her idea with the management team, who fully supported the initiative.
Robin grew up gardening with her parents; her mother had a passion for flowers, while her father focused on vegetables. Wanting to pass on this knowledge, she used the opportunity to chat with James about how everything in nature is interconnected, from seeds to bees and butterflies. That built on the things James had learned from Duchy College. Together, Robin and James prepared the plots, each around 3m x 1m in size. They raked the soil to create a suitable seedbed. Robin brought in a variety of seeds that had been a Secret Santa gift from her colleagues, ones she hadn’t found space for at home. James scattered the seeds across the prepared plots, and at first, they used milk bottles filled with water to keep the soil moist. However, they quickly realised this wasn’t practical and decided to get watering cans.
Throughout the process, Robin talked to James about the environmental benefits of their gardening efforts. They discussed how bees collect nectar to make honey, and which flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies. James shared that he likes honey. Robin noted that whenever gardening is offered, James is always eager and enthusiastic to get involved.
Robin expressed how much she enjoys working at @ThePark, especially when she can support individuals through activities which she’s also passionate about. For her, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy it brings to the people who live at and visit @ThePark, and the environmental impact.
