Barchester News

Barchester residents compete to meet Charlie Dimmock
18/07/2007
Residents at Magnolia Care Homes in London have been putting their green fingers to good use for a chance to meet celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock.

Residents at Magnolia Care Homes in London have been putting their green fingers to good use for a chance to meet celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock.

Barchester Healthcare has launched its gardening competition among its 160 care homes. Charlie has been a judge of the competition previously and has worked with Barchester since 2005 in a programme to develop the care homes' chefs.

The competition is now in its third year.

Charlie Dimmock said: "I am delighted to have been asked back once again to participate in the Barchester in Bloom competition this year.

"I have been so impressed by the high number of entries in the past and was astounded by the commitment of the gardeners at Barchester's homes around the country."

Led by Roslyn Davies, residents at Magnolia Court have been working on a hanging basket which they hope will get them a place at the finalists' dinner.

Rosa Worgan, support manager at the home, said: "We work hard on our garden so that our residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors but we are making an extra special effort this year for the competition and many of our residents have got involved."

The competition categories include best creative design, best hanging baskets and pots, best sensory garden and best resident's garden project.