Making the Most of our Outdoor Areas

Manor Grange is fortunate to have a large enclosed garden area which has stunning views across Carrick Knowe Golf Course also the Pentland hills. Residents, visitors and team members love this area. It houses a vast selection of natural wildlife such as rabbits, squirrels, foxes and butterflies, as well as a large variety of wild birds.

The garden and wildlife gives us so much joy and during the early days of the COVID-19 restrictions; it was a safe open space which we appreciated having, and residents spent a lot of time watching the wildlife from their windows. It also gave us many discussions about the vivid colours we could spot, and the increased levels of bird sound at a time when there was barely any traffic to disrupt the beautiful sounds of nature.

Reduced pollution levels meant we could really use our outdoor areas as an area of calm, and a space to reflect on the challenging days that all care homes were having to face at that time. Relatives were able to have visits with their loved ones in the garden once restrictions eased a little which was a huge benefit, especially with us having a sheltered patio area.

We all enjoy having walks in the garden or sitting on the patio enjoying a cuppa, there are also ample benches along the garden path to simply sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. We also have a putting green and enjoy the occasional game (weather permitting, of course). Here at Manor Grange, we’re also proud to have our very own “Walking Club” to encourage our residents to get out and about and get some fresh air. 

Our gardener, Walter, is currently working on installing a wildflower section of the garden which we hope to expand into a sensory garden over time. This will be a more secluded area of the garden containing bench seating for a more tranquil experience.

Residents enjoy planting the hanging baskets which run the full stretch of the garden, as well as the pots and raised flower beds, which we are hoping to expand. Residents also plan to plant a herb garden on the fence in the very near future, and they’re currently taking part in a “Sunflower Race”. 

As well as the visual aspects of the garden, there is also the social aspect. Residents really enjoy sitting in the sunshine chatting with their friends or visitors over a cup of tea, and we host a number of drinks parties outside in the finer weather. Nursery children have held their sports day in the garden and we would host our Summer Fayre in it, too. Residents often look out onto the golf course to see their loved ones playing.

It is a lovely feeling to see our residents independently walk out into the garden, socialise, sit and enjoy the peace, host visitors and basically feel “at home” while embracing the great outdoors. Our gardener does his absolute best to “keep it looking nice” for the residents, and he’s so passionate about everything he does.

If you would like more information on the facilities we have on offer at Manor Grange, do not hesitate to contact our helpful team who will be delighted to answer your questions.