15 Apr 2026
The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans is one of 50 tree-loving community groups to benefit from Thatchers Cider Community Orchard Project 2026.
Launched six years ago, the project is designed to share cider maker Thatchers’ passion for orchards and sustainability, with successful applicants from across the UK each receiving 10 apple trees, plus the necessary equipment for planting and care.
The team and residents at The Orchard care home in Camp Road were among those to receive a donation.
Resident Jean Kelly looks for any opportunity to be involved in gardening activities alongside Nicky Smith, the home’s gardener. Jean reflected on her favourite pastime: “I used to spend so much time in my garden, all year round. There was no need to rush — you could just lose yourself in the garden. The world could go by, and you could simply be there. I grew runner beans, which I loved to eat. My garden was small, with a lawn and flower beds. all the way around, and I even had raspberry canes.”
Jean joined Nicky and her maintenance colleague, Steve Faulkner, as they worked together to plant the 10 young trees – due to produce a combination of eating apples and cider apples.
Nurturing their very own orchard fits with The Orchard’s commitment to supporting the environment which last year saw the team and residents create a haven for insects and wildlife in their garden known affectionately as ‘Buggingham Palace’.
For Jean, being involved with the project has given her an opportunity to do what she loves most and to recreate feelings evoked by time spent in her own garden. “It was my happy place”, she recalled.
The hope is that watching their very own orchard grow and thrive over the years to come will generate happiness for current and future residents and their families, team members, and visitors of all ages who spend time in the garden at The Orchard.
