15 July 2015
Hallmark Care Homes compete for Hallmark in Bloom
All of our homes across England and Wales will once again compete in our company-wide gardening event, Hallmark in Bloom.
Hallmark in Bloom is an annual competition held to find the greenest garden in the country. This year, Hallmark in Bloom runs from the 13th– 24th July and kicks off at our award-winning care home Bucklesham Grange in Ipswich, which won ‘Best Regional Champion for England’ last summer. Judging categories will include; ‘Best Whole Home Effort’ and ‘Best Resident Engagement.’
Since its launch in 2003, Hallmark in Bloom has been an important date in the Hallmark Care Homes calendar of events. Our residents make use of our gardens throughout the year and enjoy participating in our weekly gardening clubs, but taking part in the competition allows us to create a much bigger impact. It’s an opportunity for our residents to live an active, and independent lifestyle and showcase their efforts throughout the year.
The homes have been pulling out all the stops to make sure they are in ‘full bloom’ come judgement day. From visiting gardening centres to growing their own fruits and vegetables, each home is making use of their outdoor space in their own unique way. Residents at Anisha Grange, our care home in Essex, have visited Stockbrook Farm to gain gardening expertise and plant their hanging baskets. Meanwhile, residents at Cwrt Enfys, our care home in Swansea, have partnered with a local artist to create an outdoor sculpture.
Judges to the homes this year will include; Hallmark Care Homes managing director, Avnish Goyal and training and education officer, Damien Newman from Thrive, who are a gardening charity which promote the therapeutic benefits of gardening for the older generation. The homes utilise Thrives expertise throughout the year to ensure our care team have the skills needed to enable our residents to make the most of their outdoor space.
Damien Newman, training and education officer from Thrive said: “It is always a privilege to judge the gardens and the competition is always fierce at Hallmark.”
Other special guests to the homes this year include; Celebrity Gardener and Presenter on ITV1 Love Your Garden and This Morning David Domoney, who will visit Anisha Grange, meet the residents and participate in the judging process on the day and The Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Susan Goddard who will visit Regency House to join in with their rock ‘n’ roll garden party.
The judging day at the home is also a great opportunity for visitors to get involved and enjoy a taste of the British summer time. This year, Alexandra Grange, our care home in Wokingham will encourage visitors to participate in an outdoor Tai Chi activity. Meanwhile, visitors to Maycroft Manor can enjoy an outdoor BBQ and the musical stylings of a Frank Sinatra tribute.
For further information about judging times and activities please contact the homes directly or email: info@hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk
The winners will be announced in August.