Blooming Sense of Purpose

A Volunteer’s Journey at Eastcote House Gardens

In the heart of Eastcote, a dedicated group of volunteers, with a blooming sense of purpose, work hard to maintain a hidden gem – Eastcote House Gardens. Among this passionate group is Sue whose story of volunteering offers a glimpse into the rewarding world of community gardening.

How Sue helps the blooming sense of purpose

Sue, one of the volunteers, with the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens, an organisation born out of necessity when council budget cuts threatened the garden’s upkeep. Sue spends roughly two mornings a week weeding, pruning, and tending to an L-shaped bed in the walled garden, filled with hardy perennials, bulbs, and roses.

For Sue, volunteering at the gardens was a natural transition after retiring from a career in social services. “I wanted to do something that was a complete contrast from my work,” she explains. After years of helping families in difficult situations, Sue finds joy and purpose in nurturing plants and spending time outdoors.

Motivated with a blooming sense of purpose

The benefits of her volunteer work are many. “It keeps you active,” Sue notes, highlighting the physical aspects of gardening. But it’s more than just exercise – it’s a balm for the mind as well. “It’s a distraction from whatever is going on in your own life,” she adds, echoing research that suggests outdoor activities can significantly boost mental health.

Sue’s love for gardening was cultivated early in life inspired by her mother’s keen interest in flowers. This passion has blossomed into a fulfilling retirement activity that allows her to contribute to her community while indulging her love for plants and the outdoors.

The Eastcote House Gardens offer more than just a space for volunteers to work. They’re a haven for wildlife, with Sue recounting sightings of voles, squirrels, nesting birds, and even the occasional Muntjac deer. This connection to nature adds an extra layer of enjoyment to her volunteering work.

More Volunteers needed

Of course, no job is without its challenges. For Sue, the unpredictable British weather can sometimes dampen spirits. There’s also concern about the aging volunteer base, as fewer younger people are able to commit time because of longer working lives. More volunteers wanted.

Despite these challenges, the rewards far outweigh any downsides. The gardens have won gold in London in Bloom, the Best Walled Garden in London and the Queens Award for volunteering, achievements that bring pride to Sue and fellow volunteers.

Join in the blooming sense of purpose

For those considering volunteering, Sue’s experience offers compelling reasons to get involved. It’s an opportunity to stay active, engage with nature, meet like-minded people, and contribute to a beautiful community space. As Sue puts it, “There is something magical about Eastcote House Gardens and I want to make sure its magic is preserved for future generations.”

If Sue’s story has inspired you, consider joining the Friends of Eastcote House Gardens. Volunteers are welcome on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and details can be found on the website. Who knows? You might find, like Sue, that tending to a garden can help you grow in unexpected ways.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The gardening could be just the start of a wider social life. Why not discover some of the upcoming events.

Discover more

Discover the stories of more volunteers including their motivations and how they help the community. Follow the links on this page.