Posted in Age care, Caring Hands, Caring Hands Day, Community Care, Southcare Stars, Support at Home, Switch to Southcare, Testimonials

Southcare Star John loves gardening so much he has 100 orchids at home, colourful flowers out the front and fruit trees out the back, plus two plots at his local community garden, where he grows his favourite vegetable gem squash.

Friends affectionately call him the “worm wizard” thanks to him also managing nine worm farms that feed the community garden.

“You could say I have a green thumb, yes” John laughs.

What makes his garden even more remarkable is that it’s all relatively new and John grows everything from seed, pips or cuttings.

Just a few years ago, when he moved into his home, the garden was far from the thriving space it is today.

“It was a jungle,” he says. “But I slowly chipped away at it. Now I grow things I can eat and things I can admire.”

And the rewards are beginning to show.

“Soon the plantings from a couple of years ago will bear fruit — apricots, peaches, paw paws and apples. I’m looking forward to seeing and tasting the fruits of my labour, so to speak.”

Southcare visits John fortnightly to support with domestic assistance in line with his assessed and approved care needs.

“I’d much rather be in the garden bed than making my own bed,” he says with a smile.

With all of his impressive efforts, it might surprise you to learn that Southcare’s gardener also visits John on occasion.

“As much as I love doing all the gardening myself, I do now need the support, and very much welcome and enjoy it too,” he says.

“I can’t do everything; things like mulching and pruning and collecting all the grass clippings so to have an extra pair of green thumbs to help me is awesome.”

Beyond his home, John is a familiar face at the Willetton Community Garden, where he visits 3-4 times a week and continues to grow his collection, including six more orchids in a special greenhouse.

“It’s a very social place,” he says. “We swap stories, share tips and enjoy being out in the garden together.”

For John, gardening and his support with Southcare isn’t just about growth — it’s about connection, purpose and joy.  And like any good garden, it’s important they all continue to flourish.

John says new members and community involvement is always welcome with the Willetton Community Garden open in the morning on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.  If you have a green thumb, reach out to the team at willettongarden@gmail.com or call them on 0420 926 532.

Discover more about the Willetton Community Garden 

About Southcare

Southcare is a trusted, registered aged care provider in Perth, providing personalised in-home aged care services, community support and community connect programs that empower older adults to live their best life at home. Whether you’re seeking everyday assistance or specialised support at home, our caring hands and golden hearts are here when you need them most.  It’s your care, your way.

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Posted in Age care, Caring Hands, Caring Hands Day, Community Care, Southcare Stars, Support at Home, Switch to Southcare, Testimonials