Volunteers have started work to brighten up a hospital garden for spring with the help of a donation organised by local community groups.
The group at Inverclyde Royal Hospital’s Larkfield Unit have been preparing the Rainbow Garden, set in the building’s courtyard area, for warmer weather.
Last week, they received a donation of plants including miniature daffodils, crocuses and pansies through Parklea Branching Out, which was organised by the Inverclyde Community Food Network.
Work on the Rainbow Garden is coordinated by Larkfield Unit staff member Sandra Forbes, who decided to give patients, visitors and staff a colourful outdoor space to enjoy after the Covid pandemic.
She works with a team of volunteers to ensure the garden is always an inviting place to spend time, with decorations hung for Valentine’s Day and a Christmas tree and lights put up in December.
On Thursday, the group spent time pulling weeds from paths, planting flowers, and preparing soil and pots for more plants.
They also plan to power-wash paths and benches and add more colour to the garden.
The garden is now well-established and it includes signs made by Inverclyde Shed and a space dedicated to volunteer and social worker Fiona McInnes, who passed away in 2022.
Inverclyde Community Food Network is made up of local organisations and volunteers who support and encourage food growing, food sharing and cooking.
It aims to create a more sustainable community and address issues of food insecurity, food waste and environmental and climate challenges.
The Larkfield Unit provides stroke services, neuro-rehabilitation and older people’s services.
The Rainbow Garden volunteer group meets most Wednesday evenings between 5-7pm.
Sandra, an occupational therapist for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We were delighted to welcome members of the Inverclyde Community Food Network to our Rainbow Garden and are extremely grateful with the fantastic donation of plants through Parklea Branching Out.
“Over the past few years we’ve established many community links as we continue to make the garden a welcoming and enjoyable space for patients, visitors and staff to spend time.
“The Larkfield Unit is very highly thought of locally as many people will have had family members in our older people’s service, the stroke ward and neuro rehab wards.
“Our team of volunteers has now started work to prepare the garden for summer by planting new flowers and tidying the area up.”
Julie Anson, from the Inverclyde Community Food Network, said: “As part of our work, we support many community gardens and food sharing organisations across Inverclyde.
“We are pleased to be able to help the IRH Rainbow Garden by delivering a donation of plants from Parklea Branching Out, and will continue supporting the garden with further donations, advice and volunteers.”
