Charlie Dimmock's pick of the care home bunch

Charlie Dimmock, celebrity gardener, hosted the Barchester in Bloom gardening awards at the marvellous Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Barchester in Bloom, organised by national quality care provider Barchester Healthcare, promotes the imaginative planting of flowers, trees and shrubs in the gardens of all 220 of its care homes across theUK.

The six winners at this year’s Barchester in Bloom competition are:

• Best Hanging Basket or Container –Badgeworth Court in Cheltenham
• Best Floral or Vegetable Arrangement – Marriott House in Chichester
• BestCommunityGardenProject –  West Abbey in Yeovil
• Best Sensory Garden – Awel-Y-Mor in Swansea
• Best Residents’ Garden or Project – Cherry Trees in Alcester
• BarchesterGardenof the Year – Rose Lodge in Wisbech

Charlie handed out the winners’ trophies with Mike Parsons, Founder and Chief Executive at Barchester, and said: “It is wonderful to see the dedication and enjoyment that goes into maintaining Barchester care home gardens around the country. Making the outdoor spaces sensory and enticing places for all those that live, work and visit is something that is important for everyone’s wellbeing.

“My top tip to make sure gardens are inviting and full of colour this spring, is to start planting those bulbs now. Vibrant daffodil yellows, clusters of vivid crocuses and perky grape hyacinths will add warmth and take the edge off those crisp mornings.”