Hush, things are growing at the Pot'âgé des Augustines

The On Seniors Side Foundation is proud to support the Temps de Vie charity in rolling out its ‘Pot’âgé’ project. Set up within the Saint Augustin care home in Boulogne-sur-Mer, this therapeutic garden project has reached a new milestone with the official launch of the planting. Actively championed by Nathalie Ventré, this project is transforming residents’ daily lives through nature.

The concept: to install raised, ergonomic vegetable beds that enable every resident to tend the soil independently, whether they are standing or in a wheelchair.

1. Building connections: a living bridge between schoolchildren, families and local residents

The cornerstone of ‘Pot’âgé’ is its ability to bring generations together and break down isolation. As well as regular visits from local schoolchildren to tend the seedlings, the garden has become a place for special family moments. During these visits, children, grandchildren and relatives enjoy a fun outdoor activity together with their elders.

2. Cultivating health: a therapeutic space to rediscover oneself in a different way

This therapeutic garden also helps to promote independence and motor skills amongst our elderly residents. But the benefits of this garden go beyond the purely medical sphere: the vegetable patch transforms relationships within the care home. It is a space of freedom where residents and care staff can interact in a different way, outside the strict confines of care. This shared camaraderie around gardening tools creates a warm and soothing atmosphere within the care home.

3. From the soil to the plate: the shared joy of tending and savouring the harvest

The experience calls on everyone’s patience and love of good food. Residents look after their plants on a daily basis: they water them together, keep an eye on their growth, and then comes the long-awaited moment to celebrate the harvest. The fresh, organic produce harvested is then used as the basis for shared cookery workshops. From working the soil to savouring delicious meals, this complete cycle recognises the residents’ hard work and provides moments of social interaction that are essential for healthy ageing.

Advice from Nathalie Ventré, the project’s sponsor: “As a Damartex employee, don’t hesitate to get involved in sponsoring a charity that appeals to you! It’s a rewarding experience full of emotion and new encounters.”

A huge thank you to the Temps de Vie Association and to all the staff at the care home for their daily commitment to improving the residents’ quality of life.