Grants to create spectacular gardens
Aged care homes across Victoria can get support in creating spectacular gardens as part of the Maggie Beer Foundation Wellbeing Gardens Program.
The Maggie Beer Foundation will hand out 10 grants as part of its Wellbeing Gardens Program.
The Foundation has a total of 10 grants to hand out. The new initiative can assist with setting up a new garden, expanding an existing garden or assist with garden maintenance.
The Maggie Beer Foundation recognises the wellness benefit of gardening. Whether it is an edible garden at the back door or a flowering garden, gardening can give a sense of purpose and improve people’s health.
Research shows that gardening is beneficial for older people because it:
- Increases levels of physical activity and helps mobility and flexibility, whilst encouraging the use of all motor skills
- Improves endurance and strength
- Helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis
- Reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation
- Provides stimulation and interest in nature and the outdoors
- Improves wellbeing as a result of social interaction
- Provides nutritious, fresh, home-grown produce.
The Wellbeing Gardens grants will be distributed in the following way;
Plant:
One aged care home will be awarded $10,000 to assist with the creation of a new Wellbeing Garden. Applicants are encouraged to come up with a spectacular edible or aesthetic garden for their residents.
Sprout:
Many aged care homes already have small garden spaces which are desperate for expansion. Four successful applicants will receive $5,000 each to upgrade the space that might just need an extra little bit of work.
Grow:
Ongoing maintenance of gardens is expensive, so five recipients will be awarded $2,500 each to put in new seedlings, fix up infrastructure or buy ever needed tools and equipment.
Once grants have been awarded funds must be spent at agreed suppliers within 6 months of the awarded grant. In 2016, a follow up evaluation will be required complete with pictures, stories and details of your success.
Applications close 13th October 2015 at 5pm EST. Find out more about the Wellbeing Gardens Program or apply now.
