Alzheimer's Society wins gold at Chelsea Flower Show

The prestigious Chelsea Flower Show has awarded their top prize to the Homebase Garden ‘Sowing seeds of Change’, which is in association with Alzheimer’s Society.

The garden attracted crowds of visitors on Monday when it was officially opened by actress, broadcaster and ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, Lynda Bellingham.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are very proud of our association with Homebase at the centenary of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Gardens have a great value for people with dementia. They are spaces to breath in fresh air, smell flowers and enjoy socialising with family and friends. Gardens can really help reduce the feelings of isolation that so many people with dementia experience.”

The garden was designed by Adam Frost, who describes it as a modern family garden, where family and friends can enjoy the outdoors to spend time together in an environment which also connects them to nature.

Alzheimer’s Society is Homebase’s official charity partner, with colleagues and customers donating money that funds dementia support services and dementia cafes across the UK and Ireland.

At the end of the show plants from the garden will be sold to the public, with proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Society as part of Homebase’s activity to raise further funds for the charity.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the UK’s biggest gardening charity, and has an excess of 1.5 million visitors to their gardens every year.

This year marks the 100th year the RHS has organised the Chelsea flower show.