Few hobbies require more patience, resilience and hard work than gardening, but the return on investment far outweighs the sweat, tears and soil-caked fingernails for the residents of Seasons.

A devoted group of resident green thumb enthusiasts have gathered on the grounds of Mango Hill every week for the past two years, to pay some extra love and attention to the onsite garden.

Committed to keeping the greenery lush and flower beds raised, the Garden Club members are motivated by how much joy it brings other residents and visitors, and in return they feel a sense of pride, fulfillment and achievement.

To celebrate the season of Spring, we sat down with some of the Mango Hill Gardening Club members, to find out all their tips and tricks and where their passion for gardening began.

Throughout Marg’s childhood, many days were spent in her family garden, helping her father to keep it looking fresh and beautiful.

While most children would opt for play over work, gardening quicky became Marg’s favourite hobby, with one of her most cherished memories being the smell of fresh lawn cuttings after her dad finished mowing.

“My dad loved the outdoors… he taught me so much about gardening,” Marg said.

“I remember my dad worked in a bank and he used to take the flowers he grew into the ladies at work.”

Gardening has been a constant for Marg throughout her life, with the Seasons resident becoming one of the inaugural members of the retirement community’s Gardening Club.

The devoted group of resident green thumbs have met every week for the past two years, to give the onsite gardens some extra love, and have completely revitalised the community in the process.

In addition to the joy their work brings other residents of Seasons and their visitors, studies show the act of gardening itself provide remarkable health benefits.

According to the National Institute of Health, gardening improves the self-esteem, fulfillment and fitness of seniors, while joining a gardening club increased social connectedness, sense of belonging and productivity.

“It’s so relaxing being out in the garden, but you also get to meet nice, friendly people and make new friends through the club, which is really important at my age,” Marg said.

For Beverley, the comradeship and social aspect of the club are her favourite parts, but gardening has always been part of her roots.

“When I was a child, we always had plenty of fruit and vegetables growing in the yard,” Beverley said.

“I remember we had a large peach tree in the backyard and if we were ever naughty, my mum would tell us to go and get a switching off it, but it was a beautiful tree.

“Flowers have their own unique beauty, so I really love all varieties.”

Another founding member of the club is Seasons resident Jacqui, who was taught everything she knows about gardening by her mother-in-law.

The retiree said looking after her own garden became an enjoyable experience she would share with her husband – with the most satisfying part of the process being when the carnations bloomed.

“Whenever something flowered, I would always take a moment to reflect and thank my husband’s mother because I was so appreciative of everything she taught me,” Jacqui said.

And when it comes to growing the perfect garden, Jacqui said it all comes down to love.

“They won’t grow on their own and they are a lot like human beings… you need to look after them and you need to show them love,” she said.

“Nurture your garden, treat your garden with respect and thank it every single day.”

The Garden Club members also sell their beautiful homegrown plants at the Seasons markets, which are held twice annually.

Lucky buyers who manage to snag a plant or two, can feel joy knowing the heartfelt purchase is also a symbol of the heart and soul of our residents.

Both the club and markets are part of the Seasons Lifestyle Calendar, which is designed to promote positive health and wellbeing benefits, and helps to reduce stress, depression, anxiety and loneliness. For more information, visit seasonsliving.com.au