Westgate is Blooming with Donations!
The sunshine has been out to play, and so have our residents. It has been lovely being able to use the home's tranquil surroundings, and all of our care homes have been making the most of the sunshine, enjoying the occasional garden party or barbeque.
As the upcoming 'Westgate in Bloom' competition looms, we thought we would check in on our care homes and see how they are getting on. We were amazed to find out the number of donations that Westgate as a whole has received for our gardens!
Kingfisher has received a lot of support from their community with schools, colleges and garden centres, donating plant pots and other garden decorations. Creative Escapes, a landscaping company, offered the staff a helping hand in cleaning up the garden, and local Tesco employees raised money at their barbeque fundraiser, using the funds to build Kingfisher a planter made out of palettes. They even had DIY retailer Wickes, donate all of the soil!
Kingfisher's Home Manager said, "We are so pleased to make this a lovely space for both residents and families to enjoy. After what has been a tough few months, at last, some relaxing time in the garden with loved ones is just what the residents need."
Kingfisher hasn't been the only home with donations falling at their feet. St Pauls Care Home has received all types of garden decorations such as wind chimes, CDs, flowers, even mint for their sensory garden renovation. Resident Mary has been busy painting CDs to make the garden look bright and colourful, and we are eager to see the final result.
Riverdale residents have also been getting into the spirit of the competition, with Doreen creating a unique bike flower basket.
Doreen recalls, "Before Riverdale was built, the area was full of fields and woodlands – I remember how people used to ride their bikes in the fields, and around the river and it was, and still is a favourite place for families to spend time together. You can still see young children learning to ride their bikes on the now grassed area outside." Doreen herself used to ride her bike to and from work, and that is the story behind this unique basket
.
The Hampden Hall team have been keeping busy potting and planting away in the garden! They have dedicated a tree to remember those who have sadly passed on. Resident Rosalie has also been keeping an eye on her growing tomatoes in Hampden Hall's garden, and they will be ready to eat soon enough.
Westgate House has been helping the environment, using recycled items to revamp their garden! Staff have also been chipping in and donating items to Westgate House's project.
Ashview Nursing Home is getting ready for Westgate In Bloom, by weeding their garden in preparation for the new sensory garden. The home has received a bulb basket courtesy of their neighbour, planted by resident Graeme, and eventually sprouting beautiful, yellow flowers. Ashview is also hoping to be winners for the longest runner bean competition with their runner bean slowly growing.
Byron is also in line for the runner bean competition. The home has been taking care of their runner beans, nursing them to full age, making them strong contenders! Due to the hot weather, Byron has purchased some new gazebos to shield the residents from the hot sun, perfect for summer fun!
All the homes have been working hard on their gardens, with staff and residents all joining in on the action. We are looking forward to seeing all the final entries soon. Good luck!
