Les’ garden paradise

Mr Leslie ‘Les’ Motley is literally ‘smelling the roses,’ after creating a beautiful rose garden right outside his bedroom window at Resthaven Paradise.

Les says, ‘When I first moved to [Resthaven] Paradise, I used to look out of my window and see the small groundcovers and grass, and I thought, “I’d like to make a little garden out there”.’

‘My mother used to grow a cottage garden you see, so I’ve grown up with it, and I never lost my love for gardening.’

‘Roses are my favourite, but I like all cottage plants – whether it be a pansy or snapdragon.’

‘I asked the front desk if I could make a little garden, and they said, “Go for it”. So I did!’

Manager Residential Services, Shani Liyanage, says, ‘When Les expressed an interest in creating a rose garden, we were very happy to support him.’

‘We had a tap installed in December 2021 with a special swing handle, to make opening and closing it easy for him.’

‘It’s really important to us that we can support residents to continue doing what they enjoy.’

With spring coming soon, Les has been busy in the garden, preparing the soil and weeding the garden beds.

‘I garden for half an hour, then I have a rest,’ he says.

Well done Les, we can’t wait to see the roses in bloom!