Rowan Village is one of Staffs Housing’s independent living villages, designed for people who want to live life their way with the comfort of knowing support and community are always close by. It offers modern apartments, beautiful communal spaces, and a range of on-site facilities so residents have everything they need right on their doorstep. Whether it’s enjoying the café, joining activities, or simply relaxing in the landscaped gardens, life at Rowan Village means having the freedom to be independent, with the reassurance of a friendly staff team and a welcoming community.
And that community spirit shines brightly through our resident gardening team, made up of Albert, Eileen, Geraldine, and Roland.
Armed with green fingers, big ideas, and even bigger smiles, they have been working hard to make Rowan Village and nearby Lime Tree Court bloom, literally. From growing vegetables for the bistro to revamping forgotten corners into vibrant havens, they are proving that life here is about more than just a roof over your head, it is about purpose, friendship, and wellbeing.
Each member of the gardening team has a long history with plants, having tended their own gardens for years before moving here. For some, the thought of leaving those personal green spaces was daunting.
(Pictured: homegrown pumpkin)
One resident shared: “When I moved to the village, the only thing I was worried about was leaving my garden behind. But I need not have worried. I met the gardening team, and the rest was history.”
That shared love for the outdoors quickly turned into a mission to make Rowan’s outdoor spaces welcoming, beautiful, and beneficial for everyone.
The benefits of the team’s work go far beyond creating pretty flowers, as gardening is well known to boost both mental and physical wellbeing. They know this firsthand, having experienced how time in nature can ease stress and lift mood, how tending plants keeps the body active and moving without feeling like exercise, and how caring for green spaces brings a sense of purpose, pride, and the satisfaction of contributing to the wider community.
“It is great to improve the outdoor spaces and give the residents something lovely to look at and enjoy,” one member explained. “Being outside in nature is brilliant, something everyone should do more of.
When the team first got started, they turned an unloved pergola into a burst of colour, with towering sunflowers and a rainbow of blooms. They have since created a shaded relaxation area using old compost they discovered, and it is now a peaceful spot for reading, chatting, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
Their work also extends to helping fellow residents. For those who can no longer maintain their own gardens, the team steps in, giving them peace of mind that their green spaces are still being cared for.
(Pictured: Freshly picked raspberries from the garden)
It is not just Rowan Village that is reaping the rewards. Roland, who lives at Lime Tree Court, recently celebrated his 80th birthday surrounded by friends and family, and by the flowers and plants he has nurtured over the past eight months. He has been busy transforming the courtyard into a place where neighbours can gather, share stories, and enjoy time together outdoors.
Next year, the team plans to grow even more edible plants, based on what residents would like to see, making the village more sustainable and encouraging people to eat fresh, homegrown produce.
At Rowan Village, it is clear this is not just a place to live, it is a place to belong, to be active, and to bloom alongside your neighbours.
(Pictured: Albert’s grapes)
Interested in life at Rowan Village?
Come and see the gardens for yourself, and maybe even pick up a fresh tomato from our café, grown just a few steps away.
