Barchester Care Homes gardener wins numerous awards

A gardener has brought some natural beauty to the lives of people in the West Abbey Care Centre in Somerset, which is owned by Barchester Company.

Ex-marine engineer Dan Hodgson, 74, who has worked for the company for six years, strives to make patients feel welcome with an array of colourful flowers and inventive planting, reports Garden News.

It is this talent and compassion that has seen him win several awards for his work, including Best Community Project of the Year 2010 from Garden News in association with Thompson & Morgan.

Some of his quirky designs include handmade Wizard of Oz characters which lead the way to a stunning rainbow bed and a vibrant bed incorporating the Barchester Care Homes logo.

He was also awarded the competitive Gardner of the Year trophy in a Barchester in Bloom competition, winning £1,000, as well as the Best Retail category in the Yeovil in Bloom competition.

The gifted gardeners wife, Frances, told the publication that Dan is planning to use his winnings to buy a polytunnel so everyone at the care home can access the garden.

Find the nearest Barchester nursing home.