Butterfly garden ready for spring at Aldinga

Guests of Resthaven’s new respite cottage at 18 Halcyon Circuit, Aldinga Beach, will soon enjoy the benefits of a ‘butterfly garden’, thanks to the efforts of Support Worker, Lorraine Maslen.

Lorraine (pictured below), who has worked with Resthaven for six years, explains, ‘I live at Seaford, and grow milkweed in my garden.’

‘I noticed last year that there were so many butterflies opening up in my garden.’

‘So, we decided to do the same here, and we went and bought some seedlings, which are growing at the moment.’

‘We have milkweed and other flowers, to attract lots of butterflies.
Some are already planted in the tubs, and others in seedling trays.’

‘They don’t look like much now, but hopefully by the time summer comes, we’ll have a heap of butterflies coming in, especially Monarchs.’

The butterfly garden project has inspired craft activities at the site, with guests enjoying making butterflies out of milk cartons, and adding their creation to a display on the outdoor patio.

Projects such as this are all part of the job for Lorraine, who says, ‘I love spending time with people, building relationships and enjoying quality time.’

Resthaven operates eight respite cottages across South Australia, providing short term, day or overnight stays for older people.

Guests enjoy a cosy, home-like environment, with qualified staff onsite 24/7 during overnight stays, giving their family carers peace of mind to take a break from their caring role, so that they can take care of themselves.

Click here for more information about how a respite stay could benefit you.