Volunteer gardeners work to spruce up a Southampton health centre

Two volunteer gardeners are on a mission to transform the grounds of a busy Southampton health building.

Rebecca Bisson and Sheila Dickinson have spent hours weeding, planting, pruning and watering in a bid to spruce up the kerb appeal of Bitterne Health Centre.

Their efforts have been boosted by resident Liz Wood, who kindly donated a large number of shrubs and cuttings from her own garden.

As well as helping the NHS and giving themselves some fresh air, Rebecca and Sheila say they have gained something unexpected from volunteering – their friendship.

Rebecca, who works in IT for the civil service, said: “We chat and have a laugh while we work, and have become good friends.

“During the pandemic, everyone was working from home and I found I needed another outlet for myself.

“I was going to volunteer at one of the vaccination centres but decided I would much prefer to be outside, so meeting people in the fresh air is ideal for me.”

Sheila, a retired teaching assistant, said: “I love gardening but we had moved house and had a smaller garden so I decided to look for some voluntary work.

“Being paired with Rebecca has been great for me as I enjoy working as a team. We are just trying to cheer everyone up a bit by brightening the environment. It’s lovely when people stop and notice, as you feel you are really making a difference.”

Green-fingered Rebecca and Sheila, described as a demon weeder, began their transformation project in November 2021 but found their efforts hampered by masses of ivy which had well and truly taken hold.

Once Solent NHS Estates and Facilities had arranged for the ivy to be removed, the volunteers hit more problems with last year’s drought threatening to undo all their good work.

But now things are back on track with numerous bulbs and cuttings planted, which should provide a welcome splash of spring colour outside the entrance to the Commercial Street centre.

Focusing on the entrance area and path, Rebecca and Sheila have planted bluebells, daffodils, gladioli, lavender, geraniums, irises, poppies and everything in between in a bid to brighten up the exterior.

Now the pair visit the centre every couple of weeks, spending the morning outside whatever the weather, and have become familiar faces to staff and patients, many of whom stop for a chat about the garden’s progress.

Marie Ames, Estates Locality Manager, said: “The community around here love this building and have been delighted to see the ladies working in the garden.

“We are extremely grateful to Rebecca and Sheila, as well as Liz who so generously donated cuttings from her own garden. Everyone is really excited to see the transformation taking shape.”

Mark Young, Associate Director of Estates Transformation, said: “It is amazing that people give up their time to help like this.

“Our grounds maintenance team carries out the basics at our sites but projects like this can really help our buildings feel part of the communities they serve.

“First impressions count and so giving time to help make the health centre more welcoming and approachable for staff and patients is a really valuable contribution. Our grateful thanks go to Rebecca and Sheila for all they are doing.”

Thanks also go to Roger Merritt of Boyes Clearing Services for carrying out the ivy removal operation.

Back to news