Inspired by her Granny who taught her how to grow from seed, 90-year-old Eastlight resident, Joyce Wynter, has created a blooming lovely display in her communal garden in Coggeshall.

As soon as she moved into the Beaumont House scheme more than four years ago, Joyce knew she wanted to bring the garden to life, having spent years tending with care to the one in her previous home.

She said: “I really missed my own garden, so I wanted to bring some flowers and life to my new home.”

Joyce initially placed three hellebore plants on her windowsill but was soon digging out her gardening gloves and planting petunias, busy lizzies, begonias, roses and more outside – creating something long-lasting and beautiful.

Fellow residents have appreciated Joyce’s green-fingered efforts over the years. 

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    Neighbour, Martin, said:

     “We love going out there for a barbeque – the flowers are lovely to look at. I’m not a gardener but I’ve learnt so much from her – it’s quite addictive to watch her work blossom. Thank you so much, Joyce, for putting some beautiful colour into our lives.”

  • A variety of brightly coloured plants and flowers in the communal garden at Beaumont House.

    "It's very therapeutic" says Joyce.

    "As long as I can, I’ll keep doing it. I have to sit down to do most of it, but I just get on with it, as you do.”

Joyce's top tips for winter plant prep

  • Plant bulbs for daffodils and tulips around October time, and they should flower a couple of months later.

  • Hellebores flower each year – just remove the dead leaves, and you’ll see the new buds underneath. They’re so lovely in the water and come in great colours.

  • Keep deadheading (removing dead buds) as you go along.

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