Westgate in Bloom Celebrates Winners

Westgate Healthcare’s summer gardening competition, Westgate in Bloom, celebrates its third-year winners as the care homes receive prizes for their various category wins.

The gardening competition came to an end in August as Westgate Healthcare judges; Deborah Christian (COO) and Peter Johns (Regional Maintenance) inspected and presented the category winners.

This year’s Westgate in Bloom was held in honour of our late Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee. The competition incorporated Her Majesty’s favourite flower, garden tea party essentials, patriotic flags and décor inspired by British culture.

“Every home submitted an entry (or three), and we have been seriously challenged to choose the winners – and winners have been chosen!”

Please find a list of the winners and runners-up below:

Afternoon Tea in the Garden Category

WINNER – St Pauls Care Centre

St Pauls Care Centre residents and their families shared “secret” family recipes which they made together and shared with each other, and with the judges, in the garden. The judges learned who the best butcher in Watford is to make the best sausage rolls ever tasted, and they ate a pineapple trifle, cream cheese and cucumber finger sandwiches, shortbread biscuits and scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Every element of this tasty afternoon tea was made by the residents and their families. The afternoon tea reflected the strong family values of St Pauls and Westgate Healthcare, the coming together of residents, their families and our care team to celebrate, be together and to share fun and laughter.

RUNNER UP – Hampden Hall Care Centre

Although the weather wasn’t kind, the outdoors was spectacularly recreated indoors, and the residents planned every detail by sharing what the perfect afternoon tea experience meant to them. These elements were then lovingly created by the team at Hampden Hall, ably assisted by the residents, and washed down with bubbles, laughter and music.

Grow the Biggest Herb or Fruit

WINNER – Riverdale Care Home

The Riverdale Gardening Lifestyle Pioneers, Geoff and Ann, worked with Activity Coordinator Lorraine to create a bountiful herb, fruit and vegetable garden from a bare patch of soil. The herb garden grows a wide variety of herbs which are picked daily by the chef to enhance the dishes he is creating; the strawberry crop made an Eton Mess, and the tomatoes are just ripening for a bumper crop. Runner beans were added for good measure! The team created a photographic timeline of the development of their garden and the picking and eating of their crops, and the result is truly amazing! The love and attention given to this project by the Lifestyle Pioneers not only produced such amazing results but also strongly demonstrates the value of the Westgate Healthcare Lifestyle Pioneer initiative, which provides our residents with an opportunity to share their knowledge, skills and passions with all of us.

RUNNER UP – Kingfisher Nursing Home

Health Care Assistant Chompa shared her gardening knowledge to grow a variety of herbs and vegetables in the gardens at Kingfisher, and the marrow is spectacular! Chompa tended the plants and with her crop, made a delicious curry which was shared and enjoyed by everyone at Kingfisher.   

Lily Flower Arrangement

WINNER – Chestnut Manor Care Home

The creation of the gorgeous lily arrangements which adorned the tables of a morning “brunch” event was made by the residents who learned how to pick, arrange and care for their creations in partnership with the local community florist. The evidence submission showed the development of each of the displays, and the pride and joy that they brought to the residents and the pleasure in seeing them on the tables at the special brunch event. The involvement of the local community florist reflects the Westgate Healthcare values of community engagement and involvement. This partnership will continue to bring joy to all in the coming years. 

JOINT RUNNER UP – Ashview Nursing Home

The lily arrangement called “Fan of Inspiration” was not only a classy display of gorgeous white lilies but also offered an extra uplifting experience as when you looked more closely – sprinkled throughout the display – were motivational and inspirational quotes shared by the residents of Ashview.

JOINT RUNNER UP – Byron House Care Home

Byron House’s lily display was very large and very impressive! It made the perfect centrepiece for an enchanting floral-themed afternoon tea party enjoyed by all.

Deborah Christian, Chief Operating Officer at Westgate Healthcare, said:

“Pete and I have completed three weeks of amazing experiences judging the entries in the 2022 Westgate in Bloom competition. We both feel very privileged to have been invited to judge and extend our sincere thanks to the residents and the teams in each home who shared their time, creations and cakes with us! You all took on the challenge wholeheartedly, and the experiences you created are truly spectacular. Thank you so much.”

Tara Teubner, Westgate Healthcare Director, said:

“Huge congratulations to all the participants and, of course, to our fabulous winners! It all looks spectacular and most importantly, like lots of fun was had by all.”

Melissa Lawrence-Xenofontos, Marketing Executive at Westgate Healthcare, said:

“Westgate in Bloom 2022 was a big success! Our judges saw incredible, intricate, thoughtful and creative entries. We are so proud of our residents and staff for investing their time into designing items for their fabulous summer gardens.”

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