GREEN-fingered members of staff at Grassington care home Gills Top have picked up ‘colleague awards’ for their efforts to create a peaceful garden for residents.

Tony Lyness, chef at the Anchor home on Scar Street, is a keen gardener and decided to revamp the garden to create a peaceful and beautiful space for residents. With the help of Rob Bateman, maintenance operative, and other members of the care team, the outdoor space has been transformed into a haven for residents.

Tony, who has been gardening since he was 16 years old, started plans for the garden in February and used seeds and saplings from his home garden for the project. With help from the care team, Tony planted more than 420 plants including geraniums, calendula, asters, and dahlias.

He said: “I wanted to bring new colour, new smells, new sounds and new experiences that will last to the garden. I think it turned out to be a really lovely and serene space and hopefully it brings back a few memories to our wonderful residents.”

Gardening is also a hobby for Rob who enjoys growing vegetables and flowers and working outdoors. Aside from helping Tony with the gardening, he erected a new fence to enclose the space and laid flagstones to create a circular path for the greenhouse where many plants will be grown each year with the help of residents.

Rob added: “Everyone seemed to chip in once we got started and I really enjoyed being part of the team effort."

Many residents have been especially enjoying the new bird feeding area. The lush atmosphere of the garden has also attracted bees, insects and birds creating a natural retreat for residents to enjoy.

Tony, who is from Keighley , started at working at Gills Top in 2020 as a kitchen assistant and quickly progressed to become a chef manager. Rob, who is from Embsay, has worked at the home for nearly five years.

Mary Moran, manager at Gills Top, said: “The garden looks absolutely beautiful and brings everyone so much joy. Tony and Rob are always going above and beyond and we’re extremely lucky to have them in our team. They truly deserve this award for their hard work and dedication to residents at Anchor’s Gills Top care home.”

Eileen Edmanson, 75, resident at Gills Top said: “I love spending time in the garden, it’s been so nice to have a new place to relax or participate in activities.”