Care provider launches blossoming national gardening competition

Care home staff and residents across the UK have their pruning shears and gardening gloves at the ready as they gear up for Barchester in Bloom, a national gardening competition organised by Barchester Healthcare.

The competition aims to promote the imaginative planting of flowers and shrubs in the gardens of its 200 homes. For many Barchester homes, this is one of the biggest events of the year because the gardens are so well loved by both staff and residents.

The winning gardens and gardeners will be announced in November at a glamorous awards ceremony where finalists will be congratulated by celebrity gardener, Charlie Dimmock.

Charlie Dimmock said: “I’m really excited about hosting Barchester in Bloom again. Gardens bring so much joy to people of all ages and it’s great to hear how many care home residents not only enjoy sitting out in the garden but also get involved in caring for them.”

The categories for this year’s competition include: Best Sensory Garden, Best Hanging Basket/Container Display, Best Floral or Vegetable Display, Best Community Garden/Project, Best Residents’ Garden or Project and finally the coveted Barchester Healthcare Garden of the Year 2014.