Growing wellbeing: finding connection and community in the garden

When you think of gardening, what comes to mind? Is it fresh green shoots, roots reaching deep into rich soil, and vibrant blooms? Or do you envision new friendships, a strong sense of place, and a feeling of accomplishment? What if it could be all of these things?

Communal activities like gardening are integral to retirement communities, enhancing wellbeing and fostering a sense of pride and purpose. At Australian Unity, gardens play a key role in bringing retirement community residents together, promoting connection, and supporting a vibrant, healthy living environment.

In this article, we speak to experts about the mental health benefits of gardening and explore how these green spaces contribute to both personal and communal wellbeing in retirement communities.

A wellbeing boost

When it comes to your overall sense of wellbeing, research by the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index—a national survey of the wellbeing of Australians, developed in partnership with Deakin University—identifies strong relationships and a sense of achievement as two of three sides to the “golden triangle of happiness”.

The research shows that these areas that are particularly dominant when it comes to our overall sense of wellbeing. So, if someone wants to boost their wellbeing, they're probably best to work on one of these areas if they are low, and Damien Trinne, a Mental Health Coach with Australian Unity, says that gardening clubs are a great place to start.

“Joining a gardening club offers a multitude of benefits, it provides a sense of community and belonging, while reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness,” Damien says.

“Sharing knowledge, experiences, and tips with fellow gardeners creates a supportive and encouraging environment, offering opportunities for social interaction and learning new skills. Beyond the social aspect, gardening clubs often engage in community projects, offering a sense of purpose and contributing to the wellbeing of the wider community.”

Damien adds that there's an additional mental health benefit associated with spending time outdoors or in the garden.

"There's a wealth of scientific evidence supporting the positive impact of nature on mental health," Damien adds.

"Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. For me, stepping into the garden, even for a few minutes, is like hitting a reset button. It clears my mind and allows me to focus on the present moment."

According to Nathan Broad, Regional General Manager of Retirement (Victoria) with Australian Unity, gardens provide residents with a sense of calmness, security and care, while representing the peace of mind that things are being looked after.

“Communities carry a strong pride in place, as it is their home, and their community gardens reflect this,” Nathan says.

“One of the most common areas that we do receive compliments on is the presentation of our communities. Quite often, this is a result of the collaboration that our team and contractors have with residents within the community.”

Gardening as a community connector

Nathan explains that gardens are essential features that bring each retirement community together, offering ways for people to meet and share their passions.

“Gardens offer social space for people to come together and our gardening clubs encourage people to share common interests,” Nathan says.

“This provides an outlet for individual passion and interest, builds a strong sense of community, gives our residents additional purpose in their lives, and more than anything, an opportunity to be engaged.”

Campbell Place retirement community resident, Liz Soek, reiterates Nathan’s comments. She has a life-long connection to gardening—a family tradition passed down by her parents—and she speaks proudly of the green spaces that her and her friends have been able to contribute to the Campbell Place community.

“I'm an outdoor person,” Liz explains. “I've always had a stunning garden all my life—small and large—it's probably the most important thing to me.”

“Now, I spend every day on my little veranda, at least two and a half or three hours most days, it's probably the most important room in my house. I have the balcony doors open, and I just have music coming through and you go into a lovely quiet space.”

Liz decided to move to Australian Unity’s Campbell Place eight years ago, because as she puts it “I’d need help down the line.” But this meant leaving a house and garden she describes as “absolutely stunning.” But, in the years following her move, Liz has made strong friendships based on the common love of gardening and she’s contributed to the ambiance of Campbell Place.

Being a new development, Liz initially found the gardens to be less established than she was used to. However, this is where Liz and some other green thumb residents put their passion for gardening to good use, helping to improve the public spaces for the benefit of the community.

“When I moved in the professionally designed garden was going to take years to grow. So, we got together and put little pieces here and there to make some of the areas look beautiful.”

For Liz the benefit of gardening is not just visual and a sense of personal achievement, it also offers a connection to her community.

“I get a better sense of belonging, I get power, enjoyment, a lot of laughter and a lot of talking, it's therapeutic and relaxing,” Liz adds.

Building a vibrant and supportive village

Australian Unity retirement communities aim to create an environment that accommodates each resident. Everyone brings their own story, life experiences, and interests, and while Nathan acknowledges that “it may sound a little ambitious,” one goal is to ensure every resident joins a community that “complements this story.”

“When someone joins our community, they have the option to be as involved within and outside of the community as they want to be and to continue all their different walks of life,” Nathan explains.

“Most of our communities have gardening groups, volunteers within our communities that enjoy spending time in the garden. Sometimes this is simply as a social outlet to spend time with friends, sometimes it's a lifelong passion that they love to continue.”

Variety is the spice of life and Australian Unity residential communities feature a broad range of garden varieties and types: vegetables, Australian natives, roses, raised gardens, balcony gardens and even rooftop gardens.

“We are fortunate to have both high-rise and broad acreage villages within the portfolio,” Nathan adds.

“This gives us the opportunity to see the wonderful contribution and benefits that gardens can provide. In our high-rise communities, residents have pot plants on their balconies and indoor plants are quite common. And our three inner-city communities feature rooftop gardens, which take in the aspects of South Melbourne, Albert Park and the tree-lined streets of Carlton.”

Gardening as a tool for connection and wellbeing

A well-designed garden and the act of gardening offer significant wellbeing benefits as we age. Gardening not only helps build relationships and fosters community pride, but it also supports mental health—either actively through gardening or passively by enjoying a beautiful green space.

Australian Unity retirement communities harness the power of gardening to create environments where residents grow plants, cultivate friendships, and strengthen their sense of community.

Damien reassures us that when it comes to wellbeing, garden size matters less than the act of engagement we receive.

“You can achieve significant mental health benefits even from a small patio or a few potted plants on a balcony,” he says.

“Even a one-meter square garden is accessible and manageable, providing a sanctuary to connect with nature. Tending to a few herbs on a windowsill can bring calm and purpose.”

Ultimately, gardening is a pastime we can all enjoy by ourselves or with our loved ones, regardless of the space we have available to us.