Residents at Herefordshire care home in garden competition

For the third year running, residents and staff at Leominster Bupa care home have entered into the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

The series of regional competitions aim to transform communities into greener, cleaner spaces, while bringing locals together.

The home's garden was entered with a 'staycation' theme, following on from last year's 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party' theme.

Each corner of the home's outdoor space was decorated in an ode to various cultures and countries, as well as residents' past holidays.

The garden was entered with a 'staycation' theme

One section of the garden was dedicated to the British coastline, reflecting the residents' memories of seaside getaways from their youth.

To add to the holiday theme, children from the nearby Bargates nursery coloured in postcards to display around the garden.

Vera Jones, a 92 year old resident at the home, was involved in preparing the garden.

She said: "I love getting out into our garden here at Leominster, it brings back memories of my old garden, where the grandchildren used to come and help me plant.

"Gardening has always been an important part of my life, so taking part in the competition has been a great excuse for me to do an activity I love."

The garden was prepared by residents and staff

Sally Simmons, Home Manager at Leominster Bupa Care Home, said: "We enter the Heart of England in Bloom competition every year and 2021 has been no exception. We had a lot of fun discussing our holiday memories and transforming our beloved garden as a team.

"We’re really looking forward to seeing the results of the competition, there were some fantastic entries but fingers crossed we place among the winners."

The competition judges, David and Leslie Pritchard, were impressed by the home’s effort. They passed on comments of praise to the home manager.

They said: "We didn’t get an actual holiday this year, but today we really enjoyed our holiday with you."