TV’s Alan to judge bloom competition
Care home group’s gardens vying for prizes
Popular TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh is set to judge a gardening contest for Perthshire care home residents.
Balhousie in Bloom is being run across Perth-based Balhousie Care Group’s 26 care facilities.
The competition aims to get care home residents and their local communities out into the garden.
The winning care home will receive a £500 prize from Balhousie Care Group for its residents’ comfort fund.
The competition has four categories and there will also be prizes for each of the following categories: staff and resident participation; most improved garden; community engagement ; and indoor garden. Alan will judge the final winner from photos and videos compiled by the entrants.
The former Gardeners’ World presenter said: “Over the past year, our gardens and outdoor spaces have brought more joy to people than ever, offering a sanctuary, a place to relax and be closer to nature, and a place for activity and exercise. In care homes they have become even more special.
“It is wonderful to see residents and staff across Balhousie Care Group celebrating their gardens through Balhousie in Bloom. I’m delighted to be a judge for this competition and can’t wait to see the finalists’ great work.”
Balhousie in Bloom has already seen activity by Balhousie’s care homes, with garden revamps taking place across the group.
At Balhousie Luncarty, resident John Simpson recently broke ground on a project which will transform the front garden of the historic property, formerly a country home.
Staff, residents and community volunteers have joined in with planting and the first of many garden activities which will create some fun projects over the next two months. Balhousie Luncarty received donations of plants from local Aldi, B&Q, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Lidl and Morrisons stores.
However, Balhousie Luncarty manager Cheryl Banks is keeping the wraps on the design plans to make sure she does not give other homes a competitive edge.
She said: “All I can say is that our new garden will be a celebration not only of the care our staff show but also the strength of Balhousie Luncarty’s community links.
“Our home is located right in the heart of Old Luncarty village and has close ties with the local nursery and community groups. We don’t ever take these associations for granted, so we wanted to create a project which would pull everyone together.”
Judging for Balhousie in Bloom takes place in June with winners announced in July. To get involved email enquiries@balhousiecare. co.uk