Charlie Dimmock impressed by Barchester care home gardens

The UK’s fourth largest care home provider, Barchester Healthcare Ltd, have held their 2012 ‘Barchester in Bloom’ competition, holding an event at Birmingham Botanical Gardens where six winners were announced with the help of celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock.

Barchester in Bloom is a competition inspired by the care provider’s support for an active lifestyle amongst older people, while recognising that making the most of garden environments is a worthy addition to the lives of care home residents.

Commenting on the standard of this year’s entries, Charlie Dimmock said: “It is wonderful to see the dedication and enjoyment that goes into maintaining Barchester care home gardens around the country. Making the outdoor spaces sensory and enticing places for all those that live, work and visit is something that is important for everyone’s wellbeing.

“My top tip to make sure gardens are inviting and full of colour this spring, is to start planting those bulbs now. Vibrant daffodil yellows, clusters of vivid crocuses and perky grape hyacinths will add warmth and take the edge off those crisp mornings.”

The winners were announced as follows:

Best Hanging Basket or Container – Badgeworth Court in Cheltenham

Best Floral or Vegetable Arrangement – Marriott House in Chichester

Best Community Garden or Project – West Abbey in Yeovil

Best Sensory Garden – Awel-Y-Mor in Swansea

Best Residents’ Garden or Project – Cherry Trees in Alcester

Barchester Garden of the Year – Rose Lodge in Wisbech

Founder and chief executive Mike Parsons was also present to congratulate the winners, saying: “It is wonderful to see the dedication and enjoyment that goes into maintaining Barchester care home gardens around the country. Making the outdoor spaces sensory and enticing places for all those that live, work and visit is something that is important for everyone’s wellbeing.

“My top tip to make sure gardens are inviting and full of colour this spring, is to start planting those bulbs now. Vibrant daffodil yellows, clusters of vivid crocuses and perky grape hyacinths will add warmth and take the edge off those crisp mornings.”