96-Year-Old Resident Named Garden ‘Site Manager’ at Wisbech Care Home

Barton Manor care home in Wisbech, operated by Danforth Care Homes, surprised 96-year-old Joe White with a new resident greenhouse to support his passion for growing fruit and vegetables.

Alongside the new greenhouse, Joe has also been officially named ‘Site Manager’ of the care home’s garden, complete with a personalised sign.

Joe 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 recognised Joe’s dedication and wanted to provide a space where he could continue his hobby. Andrea Layton, the General Manager at Barton Manor 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 residents like Joe with their gardening passions.

“Joe is especially enjoying the greenhouse now we’ve kicked off our Ground to Plate initiative with our sister homes at Danforth. We can’t wait to see what delicious meals the residents can enjoy thanks to Joe’s talents.”