Westgate Healthcare summer gardening competition winners announced
The fifth year of the gardening competition ended this week as Westgate Healthcare judges from the Head Office support team inspected each category entry.
This year there were two categories to enter; Grow the biggest sunflower and Create a Wildlife Butterfly Garden.
Grow the biggest sunflower.
In April, each home received a sunflower sapling, grown by our very own COO Deborah Christian. Their challenge was to grow the biggest sunflower, which would be judged on height and span. Each sapling was named for our residents, team members and families to nurture and grow.
There was a close competition between Kingfisher Nursing Home, St Pauls Care Centre and Westgate House Care Centre entries.
Many congratulations to Westgate House Care Centre , winners of the competition, with a height of 2m 26cm!
The residents, team and family members from Westgate House took great care in nurturing Sandra the Sunflower, watering and talking to her every day and giving her the best conditions to grow.
Nancy Currie, Home Manager said “We are immensely proud of our entry, watching Sandra grow taller and more magnificent each day was so rewarding. This win feels like a true celebration of patience, dedication, and a passion for gardening. It is a wonderful reminder that with the right care and attention, we can achieve amazing things.”
Create a Butterfly Themed Garden
Westgate homes were invited to take part in designing and creating a wildlife garden no more than 1m x 1m using only recycled, upcycled, or donated goods taking inspiration from our butterfly logo shape and reflecting Westgate’s pledge to become more environmentally friendly.
Homes quickly got to work by speaking to their residents, asking friends, families, schools, and local businesses to get involved. The entries were judged on their creativity and initiative, alongside the evidence highlighting residents’ involvement from start to finish of the project.
Each home created its own magical area for residents to enjoy.
Congratulations to the winner Hampden Hall Care Centre whereby the team and residents created a garden including bug hotels, bird feeders, bee baths and wildflowers. Their creativity and dedication shone through, with vibrant colours, thoughtful plant selections, and overall design concept fitting the brief. The evidence submission showed the development and progress of the display, and the pride and joy that the project brought to the residents.
Juliana Mensah, Home Manager, said “Winning this competition is a wonderful achievement! It reflects not just skill and creativity, but also a deep connection our residents have with nature. The hard work, dedication, and passion that our staff and residents put into this project is truly commendable. It was great to see their vision brought to life.”
Tara Teubner, Westgate Healthcare Director, said:
“Thank you to all homes who submitted entries for your incredible creations and hard work! The standard was exceptionally high and huge congratulations to our winners, Westgate House, and Hampden Hall! Your evidence packs and involvement from all were inspiring. It all looks spectacular and most importantly, like lots of fun was had by all.”
