A blooming great result for residents

GREEN-FINGERED residents from care homes and supported living and day services from across Caerphilly created inspirational floral displays for an annual gardening competition.

Organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s social services staff, the residents and service users of Brodawel Care Home, Min-y-Mynydd, Troed-Y-Bryn, Oaklands Day Centre and Ystrad Mynach Resource Base, to name but a few, took part in the annual competition.

The judging panel was made up from staff at Windy Ridge, the council’s horticultural facility for those with learning difficulties, together with representatives of the advocacy group, Caerphilly People’s First, who visited all of the facilities throughout July to view the impressive creations.

All those who participated were recognised for their efforts and the winners were awarded a plaque.

Winners in some of the competition categories included:

Inspirational winners: Maureen Jervis from Min-y-Mynydd and Bernice Johnson from Energlyn

Best Themed Area: Ystrad Mynach Resource Base Best Herb Garden: Woodfieldside Best Sensory Area: Troed-Y-Bryn Most Creative Floral Display: Energlyn

Winner in the inspirational category, Maureen Jervis said: “I loved taking part in this competition. It was lovely to make something everyone can enjoy.”

Also awarded in the inspirational category was Bernice Johnson, from Energlyn, who said: “I am thrilled to have won a joint place for my creation. I am already thinking about what I can do for next year.”

Coun Carl Cuss, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Wellbeing, said: “I am blown away by the calibre of the entries for the competition. The individuals from care homes and day services along with the staff, have gone all out to create unique and creative displays. We place a high importance in making these facilities a home from home for residents and as a result all of the facilities have their own individual design which reflects the personalities of the residents.”