Colleagues in the human resources team at housing association Housing Plus Group reached for their wellies and did some DIY this week, carrying out a garden makeover in a retirement living community in Brewood.

The team volunteered to turn gardeners for the day at Deansfield House, creating blooming flower beds, planting colourful pots and improving seating areas from where residents can enjoy the fruits of their labours.

“We agreed that we wanted to do something practical to make a difference to our community,” explained Louise Wagstaff, director of people and transformation at Housing Plus Group. “It was an excellent team building exercise and it was lovely to see the reaction of residents, who take great pride in the grounds around Deansfield House.”

The green-fingered co-workers spent the day weeding, edging lawns, pruning borders, planting beds, cleaning the paved seating areas and applying new gravel to the garden walkways.

Colleagues in other areas of the group were quick to lend a hand. Carers working for Care Plus got busy with trowels and spades and teams in Property Plus arranged for heavy materials and equipment to be delivered to site on the day of the makeover. The project was also helped by sponsorship from Travis Perkins, which paid for plants and materials.

“We are really pleased with our new look garden, said resident Malcolm Speed. “They worked very hard and have made such a difference. We are looking forward to sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine.”