Businesses in and around Kenilworth have been quick to help Waverley as it transforms its garden space.

The garden at the Waverley Road centre had already received landscaping thanks to grants and fundraising and now the next step of the project has been made possible by donations of plants and volunteers' time.

Kate Sweet, who took over as manager at Waverley in May, put out an 'appeal' to local nurseries and retailers and was "overwhelmed" by the response. 

Smith's Garden Centre in Baginton, Hintons Nursery in Warwick, The Tiltyard Pub on Leyes Lane and Waitrose in Kenilworth all agreed to support the project for which Waverley is "very grateful". 

Smith's Garden Centre in Baginton generously supported the Waverley project (image supplied)

A further appeal for volunteers with gardening knowledge - spearheaded by Waverley regular Roger, who also has his own allotment - brought the "invaluable" help from three members of KATA: Hannif, Yvonne and Tony.

On Thursday 28 August the sun shone and the clients were "amazed" to see the size of the lorry that arrived from Smiths and the "marvellous" Mark unloading dozens of plants. 

Fortunately, Smith's director, Nick, was also on hand and spent time siting and arranging the plants for the team with his expert knowledge. 

"Mick's own grandfather attended Waverley's lunch club around 30 years ago and originally grew plants from his greenhouses at the rear of what is now Smith's Nurseries - so this partnership felt like it was grounded in history," Kate said.

The volunteers braved the rain to complete the garden makeover (image supplied)

"Before the herbs could even get in the soil our catering manager Sue was out snipping chives for the potatoes for that day's lunch.

"Since then we have been enjoying mint, tarragon, chives, sage and parsley in lots of different dishes." 

As the clients were leaving for the day the volunteer working party - also including Waverley patron Cllr Alan Chalmers, Roger and Will O'Meara (trustees) and Kate - began the task of planting. 

Despite the rain pouring within minutes everyone ploughed on with Hannif generously returning the following day to plant more as Waverley had been so well supported by our sponsors.

The garden at Waverley has been completely transformed (image supplied)

Waverley has been providing opportunities to older people for many years and is in a unique position to be able to provide a transport service to clients living in the CV8 area but equally welcomes clients from further afield.

If you would like to know more about opportunities at the Waverley Centre please email Kate on [email protected] or alternatively call 01926 852365

See the Waverley website here.

Waverley sponsors Kenilworth Nub News.

Without community-minded partners like them, we would not be able to bring clickbait-free news to the people of Kenilworth.

KATA volunteers helping out at Waverley with trustee Will O'Meara (Image supplied)