3 June 2025

Friendships bloom between generations in the garden

A gardening program is breaking down barriers between the generations and planting the seeds of friendship at Lutheran Services’ Immanuel Gardens Aged Care at Buderim.

The aged care residents and students from the neighbouring Immanuel Lutheran College meet once a week to get their hands dirty in the garden as part of ‘The Growing Together: A Garden For Generations’ initiative.

Immanuel Gardens Aged Care Creative Lifestyle Co-Ordinator, Bhrett Baker, said relationships with the participants, ranging in age from nine to 97, had blossomed into something special while working together in the garden.

“We launched the program two years ago to foster intergenerational interactions and build a bridge between our aged care residents and students at the neighbouring college,’’ Ms Baker said.

“Groups of around 14 students, aged up to 17, have worked beside our residents to create no-dig garden beds, planted seasonal flowers and vegetables. During these sessions, they are creating social connections and sharing meaningful conversations.

“The weekly visits are highly anticipated by residents of Immanuel Gardens for the genuine moments of joy that come from the opportunity to share their garden knowledge with their new young friends.

“The feedback from residents, students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. The program is invited to partner with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to support its ‘GrandSchools’ research project.’’

The GrandSchools study is federally funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The program will examine intergenerational activities and how different generations can be brought together in education and seniors living settings.

“Researchers from the GrandSchools study will visit Immanual Gardens. They will observe how the students and older adults interact and learn together. Lutheran Services is proud to be a partner organisation in this study,’’ Ms Baker said.  

The future of intergenerational living

Insights from the research, involving five universities across the country, may be used in the planning and design of future shared intergenerational living and learning communities.

Immanuel Lutheran College student, Pippa, has been involved in the Immanuel Gardens program from the beginning. Pippa has developed strong bonds with the aged care residents.

“Each week I visit Immanuel Gardens and the experience reminds me that friendship isn’t limited to age. It’s a pleasure to spend time together,’’ Pippa, 15, said.

“All the residents each have their own unique, beautiful, and cheeky personalities that fill the room with laughter and joy.”

Emily Boyd, Sustainability Officer from Immanuel Lutheran College, said the response from students to the program had been overwhelming.

“At the heart of this program is something really simple: care for the earth, and care for each other. When students and residents garden side-by-side, they’re not just planting seeds in the soil. They’re planting connection, trust, and hope,’’ Ms Boyd said.

“Our students are building empathy, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for older generations.’’

For more information about the ‘Growing Together: A Garden For Generations’ initiative, call 1800 960 433.