Horticultural experts from Coletta & Tyson Garden Centre, based in Hull Road, Woodmansey, are sharing their top tips with residents from Pickering and Ferens Homes, a housing association which owns and manages over 1,250 properties in the region.
With over 14 million plants on the shop floor at Coletta & Tyson, plus a highly knowledgeable staff team, residents interested in gardening will be in very good company.
The first workshop – which will see residents who have previously entered Pickering and Ferens Homes’ In Bloom competition invited to pilot the initiative – involves a variety of different planting skills. For some, it was the chance to brush up some already well-developed skills. For others, it was a brand new experience.
Claire Warren, chief executive of Pickering and Ferens Homes, said: “Not only are days such as this really enjoyable for our residents, but they are a huge boost in helping them to stay active.
“For some, it will be a chance to show off their skills gathered over a lifetime – who knows they may even be able to show the professionals a thing of two. For others it’s a chance to have a go at gardening, perhaps for the first time in their lives. I’m really grateful to Coletta & Tyson for their kind invitation to us.”
Coletta & Tyson has a long and successful history of opening its doors to local community groups and schools, increasing interaction and participation with local people and promoting the centre as a destination for adults and children alike.
John Tyson, of Coletta & Tyson Garden Centre, said: “People of all ages have a passion for gardening. Because we are within walking distance, a short bus journey or a car ride for most people we thought the idea of horticultural master-classes would appeal to people. Having recently held an event with a local primary school, we felt that we should do something with the over-60s.
“We are delighted that Pickering and Ferens Homes has agreed to take part in this event. If it proves to be popular, as I’m sure it will, there’s no reason why it can’t be repeated or even become a regular thing.”