A source of ‘garden’ inspiration

Ms Barnes (pictured) is one of the many residents living at RSL Care’s Inverpine Retirement Community who entered the inaugural gardening competition to show off their living creations.

RSL Care chief operating officer, Luke Greive, said gardening was a great activity for everyone as it provided exercise and time outside in nature.

“We are very proud of our gardens at Inverpine and we have one or two green thumbs amongst us,” he said.

“The gardening competition is a wonderful opportunity for our talented horticulturists to showcase their efforts.”

For Ms Barnes, gardening is her favourite past time and the beauty of her garden reflects her commitment, with her deep spirituality providing the motivation.

“I feel closest to God when I am out in my garden and out in nature,” she said.

“It’s also great exercise, despite the aches and pain I sometimes feel I am always able to get outside and create floral masterpieces!”

She added by being outside in her garden, she also had the benefit of socialising with her neighbours.

“Our community is very social – everyone talks to one another,” she said. “Being out in my garden is a great opportunity for me to meet my neighbours to have a chat as they are passing by my home.”