Residents and staff at a Hull care home are feeling blooming marvellous after scooping a gardening award thanks to their green fingers.
Elm Tree Court won the award after impressing the judges with its beautiful garden, adding an extra splash of colour as part of an annual competition organised by the Hica Group.
The initiative is part of a drive by the care home provider to help ease symptoms of dementia among its residents. Gardening is seen as beneficial for people struggling to cope with the condition, offering a rewarding challenge and focus for their outdoor talents.
Preston Road located Elm Tree Court is one of 14 care homes across Hull, East Riding and Lincolnshire that have participated in this year’s Hica in Bloom competition, working hard to impress with their horticultural skills.
The winner was announced at Hica’s annual Shine ball attended by 170 service users from across its services. The runners-up prize went to Wilton Lodge, also in Hull.
In awarding Elm Tree Court the top prize, the judges particularly praised the residents’ hard work, care for open spaces and all round gardening expertise.
Adam Ward, manager at Elm Tree Court, says: “Residents love spending time in our garden. It’s a labour of love for them as they put in so much work to get the flowers and plants looking their very best.
“We’re looking forward to incorporating new ideas, so that we’re in a pole position to try and win the competition again next year, which launches in February.”
Penni Brown, Hica CEO, says: “Well done to Elm Tree Court on their success. Thanks also to all our care homes who took part this year. It’s fantastic to see the effort that everyone has made to ensure our gardens look their very best and are an enjoyable pleasure.”
The Hica Group, which runs 15 care homes and two retirement villages, introduced the Hica in Bloom competition four years ago and it continues to grow in popularity each time it is held. Participating homes were encouraged to raise funds to spend on garden projects as well as benefitting from a £250 donation from the care operator’s Shine Fund.
Pictured: Elm Tree Court manager Adam Ward (left), deputy manager Dianne Pennington (right) and Hica chief executive Penni Brown (middle) in the award-winning garden
