Joe, 96, named garden site manager at Wisbech care home
Barton Manor care home in Wisbech surprised 96-year-old Joe White with a new greenhouse to support his passion for growing fruit and vegetables.
Joe has also been named site manager of the home’s garden, complete with a personalised sign.
The keen gardener has a lifelong love of growing his own produce - a skill he first picked up during wartime Britain when homegrown food was a necessity.
Joe said: “I started growing food during the war because that was the only way we could eat vegetables or get them. I just enjoy it; I ask what people want, and I just grow it for them for pleasure.
“My favourite things to grow are tomatoes or any kind of fruit tree, but I mostly grow potatoes. The hardest part is making sure you label everything, but you just have to start with the basics.”
Joe’s story spans far beyond gardening. From working as a crane repair engineer to opening nine training centres for young people in Dereham, and even building a golf course for RAF Marham, Joe has spent a lifetime helping others.
The team at Barton Manor, which is run by Danforth Care Homes, recognised his dedication and wanted to provide a space where he could continue his hobby.
General manager Andrea Layton said: “We’re always looking for ways to help residents keep doing the things they love. The greenhouse was the perfect way for us to support Joe with his gardening passion.
“Joe is especially enjoying the greenhouse now that we’ve kicked off our Ground to Plate initiative. We can’t wait to see what delicious meals the residents can enjoy thanks to Joe’s talents.”