Resthaven Western Community Services newest veggie patch
From Sarajevo to Woodville
Since 2014, Resthaven Western Community Services Coordinator, Rebecca Bratovich, has been collecting tomato seeds from all over the world.
After years of growing her impressive collection, Rebecca saw the opportunity to start a veggie patch for Resthaven Western Community Services clients and staff to grow and enjoy.
‘The original tomato seeds I collected, had travelled from Sarajevo with my father-in-law’s friend many years ago, and ended up in my possession,’ Rebecca says.
‘These same seeds had been kept from the original, to grow plants for many years afterwards – how incredible is nature?!’
Rebecca found over the years that she had collected way too many seeds for her garden and decided to bring them to work at Resthaven Western Community Services for clients to grow.
‘It started with tomatoes, then in went capsicum, chillies, herbs and cucumbers – before we knew it, the raised beds were filled, and we had to move to the ground for pumpkins, zucchinis and watermelons.’
‘It has been a wonderful experiment with staff and clients all very keen to watch them grow and then ultimately share the produce. We have even had enough to take over to the Regency Cottage to prepare some meals for clients – zucchini slice proving one of the favourites!’
‘From the success of the veggie patches at Resthaven Western Community Services, we have decided to start growing our own seedlings at Resthaven Regency Cottage, and at Woodville’.
‘There is something inherently special about growing and nurturing your own plants.’
If you would like to know more about social support groups and community respite options, call 1300 13 66 33.
Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, being one of only a select few aged care providers in Australia offering the full range of aged care service options.
A not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church, Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.