Gardens prove a winner
A care home that was spared from closure has had a Ground Force-style garden makeover, incorporating Boughton’s association with the mining industry.
Staff, residents and friends of Bishop’s Court spent six weeks
transforming four gardens.
After Nottinghamshire County Council confirmed it was no longer under threat, it was decided to do something for the residents in celebration.
The home’s manager, Mrs Ginny Bullock, said: “We have had some really wonderful positive comments from family, friends and visitors.
“It has made a vast difference.
“We have got people sitting outside that wouldn’t normally sit there.
“We have had residents joining in, telling us what plants to put in and where to put them. It was a real team effort.
“There was nothing before. It was just overgrown.”
They raised £3,000 by selling books and through a car boot sale to help pay for the project.
Relatives also supplied plants from their gardens.
Four teams, made up of staff, friends and relatives, tackled different areas of the garden, giving them a different theme.
They competed to create the best area.
Residents and people using the day centre also joined in by planting baskets, painting benches, arranging items and coming up with ideas.
Mrs Bullock said the front garden had a colliery theme because there were several pit villages in the area.
Thoresby Colliery donated old boots and helmets, which have been used for plants. There is also coal, tyres and a wheel to represent machinery.
The other gardens are based around the four seasons, different colours, and a sensory garden that is particularly suitable for those people with dementia.
The competition was judged by the county council’s portfolio holder for adult services and health, Mr Alan Rhodes; the service manager, Mrs Elaine Bond; and Mr Len Allen, a relative of a resident.
But it was decided it was impossible to choose a winner and each team was awarded a certificate.
Mr Maurice Smith (73) has lived at the home for ten years and helped to create the four seasons garden.
He said: “It was hard work. We took all the rubbish out.
“I water the plants when it’s not raining.”
Mrs Doris Grecki (79) said the marigolds and begonias in the autumn section of the garden were her favourite.
She said: “I can see all the flowers from my bedroom window.
“I’m no gardener but I like to look at them. It’s better than before.”