A Holmfirth care home has been crowned the winner of a national gardening competition by none other than Alan Titchmarsh himself.
Greenacres care home was named the 2020 National Winner of care provider Ideal Carehomes’ Gardens in Bloom competition, after being surprised with the result by a special video message from celebrity gardening personality, Alan Titchmarsh.
The competition, which is run throughout Ideal Carehomes’ 21 homes, encourages both staff and residents to work together to embrace their love of the great outdoors by devising and implementing an exciting garden revamp.
The Greenacres team introduced a ‘Green-fingers At Greenacres’ themed garden masterpiece, which featured upcycled garden furniture to create a vegetable patch and herb garden; a resident-centred wall mural art project; a wishing well; newly planted apple trees which, once ripe, will be placed outside in a basket for passers-by to enjoy; and even their own farm which houses adorable sheep made from wire. The team have also been delighted to hear that many local school children have been eagerly waiting to see what fun and festive costumes their new scarecrows will be dressed in next, as the home plan on making a ‘festive scarecrow scene’ for everybody to enjoy throughout the year.
However, it was the homes ‘Secret Night Garden’ that really blew the judges away, as residents and staff created a tranquil seating area under a beautifully-decorated pergola featuring climbing roses and waterfall fairy lights, providing the perfect hide-away to relax.
Alan Titchmarsh said: “I would like to congratulate all of you that took part in the contest, the amazing initiative brings together residents and staff doing what I love doing and do every day – which is gardening! To grow your own plants and to create an atmosphere that is beautiful to be in is really important. Well done to everyone involved and keep growing!”
Verity Taylor, General Manager at Greenacres, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be crowned the overall national winner and our residents were even more thrilled to see gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh announce the win! We are extremely grateful to have had such overwhelming support from our residents’ families, our staff team and local businesses that generously donated to our garden project. It really has been a labour of love and we are so glad to see the judges were as thrilled with our garden creation as we are!”
