Two South Somerset Homes' sheltered housing schemes unveil their ‘grand designs'
20 December 2004

Before photo of Evergreen Path sheltered housing scheme, Merriott

Two of South Somerset Homes' sheltered housing schemes have recently undergone some exciting environmental changes. Tenants of Evergreen Path Sheltered Housing Scheme in Merriott and Great Western Terrace Sheltered Housing Scheme in Yeovil now have new gardens to enjoy.

South Somerset Homes has a partnering contract with South Somerset District Council for Horticultural Maintenance Services. The council undertake on behalf of South Somerset Homes all grassland, shrub-bed and hedge maintenance and also a number of landscape improvement schemes.

After photo (From left to right) June Walker (Scheme Manager, Evergreen Path, Merriott) and residents

Evergreen Path Sheltered Housing Scheme in Merriott used to have an unsightly piece of muddy grassland to the front of the communal room. Working in conjunction with SSDC, the Scheme Manager and the Tenant Partnership, it has been transformed into a beautiful landscaped garden that won 1st prize in the 2003 Tenant Panel Garden Competition, based upon a Japanese design.

June Walker, Scheme Manager at Evergreen Path said, “The residents are absolutely delighted with their new garden. I would also like to say thank you to everyone that has been involved with the project, we are absolutely thrilled.”

Similar changes have also been carried out at Great Western Terrace Sheltered Housing scheme in Yeovil. The tenants who live at Great Western Terrace used to have an unused and rundown area of grass at their scheme. They decided that they wanted to tidy it up so that they would have a private area of garden that they could all use and enjoy.

Before photo of Great Western terrace sheltered housing scheme garden

SSDC on behalf on South Somerset Homes completed the garden within a week. The area of grassland was tidied up and some new plants and shrubs were introduced and a patio was put down so that the tenants could hang their washing out. The area was also fenced off and a gate was put up. The work was funded by the Area South Board Environmental Improvements budget.

The tenants are thrilled with the work that has been completed. Scheme Manager, Sue Gordon said, “We are so pleased with the change, it just looks so much better. The tenants are thrilled with it. Before the work was done, the tenants felt very housebound, but now they can enjoy the lovely garden.” Have a look at the photos and see for yourself the improvement from how it looked before and how it looks now.

After photo of Great Western terrace sheltered housing scheme garden