Meet Carole Palmer – one of Ford Park’s dedicated volunteers who has been bringing her energy, passion, and love for gardening to our community green space for nearly two years.
From Nursing to Nurturing Nature
Carole retired from her nursing career in the hospital in 2020 after years of caring for others and continued her work in the community as one of the nation’s COVID vaccine heroes. As someone who was used to being busy all the time, Carole knew she needed a new challenge now she was retired - she missed being part of something meaningful. She considered a part-time job but needed flexibility to fit around family.
As a keen gardener, Carole found the answer in Ford Park. She had always loved the park, so when the opportunity to volunteer came up, it felt like the perfect fit.
For Carole, volunteering at Ford Park is about more than just gardening. It’s about being part of a community. “There are always people around,” she says, “It’s friendly, chatty, and feels good to give back.”
Carole thrives on staying productive and getting stuck into hands-on tasks in the garden. Seeing the results of her work gives her a deep sense of satisfaction. She also loves the social aspect, often bumping into familiar faces in the park and meeting new people from all walks of life.
Working in the park means she’s always picking up new tips about plants and how and where to plant them, which has changed the way she gardens at home – and of course if she needs help, there’s always an expert on hand for advice!
Ask Carole her favourite spot in Ford Park, and she’ll point to the Victorian Walled Garden.
Even before she became a volunteer, she loved visiting it. Now, she spends her time in the garden and greenhouse planting seeds, potting on, and when they’re ready, planting them out.
Her favourite job? Cutting back the lavender, mint, and marjoram. “The smell is just heavenly,” she says.
On the flip side, her least favourite job is tackling brambles – a job she’s happy to leave that to Toby, the park’s resident bramble-busting hero!
Why Volunteer at Ford Park?
If you’re considering joining the volunteer team, Carole can’t recommend it enough. “It’s local, it’s flexible, and it’s giving back to our community,” she says. “The staff and volunteers are all so friendly and supportive. It’s such an uplifting place to be.”
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just someone looking for a way to connect and contribute, volunteering at Ford Park offers the perfect mix of productivity, learning, and community spirit.
So, why not follow in Carole’s footsteps? Come and join the team – who knows, you might discover your own love for cutting lavender or find joy in a perfectly weeded flower bed!
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