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Ready Steady Grow 2025 - Great Garden Challenge

Great Garden Challenge!

Voting is now closed.

All entries have been received for this year’s Ready Steady Grow competition, and now it’s time to make your mark on the awards by voting for your favourite garden or outdoor space and deciding the most worthy winner.

Judging for this category will be based on the overall positioning of displays and designs, as well as how colourful your garden looks. Consider factors like colour, impact, composition, and also plant health – will your chosen plants work well together and thrive? The size of your garden doesn’t matter; what counts is how you’ve developed it and the effort you’ve put in to showcase your transformed garden. 

Your Entries!

Baskyfield House garden, they have transformed water worn troughs into lush and vibrant flower displays full of colour

  1. Baskyfield House

Baskeyfield House has had a busy year in the garden, with eight new raised planters built and residents working hard to bring the space back to life. The garden is now full of colour and wildlife, with vegetables growing, composting in place, and even a wormery. Residents have shared gardening tips with staff and created a tranquil space for everyone to enjoy. Their efforts have made the garden a source of pride and peace.

A collage of Bromfield House garden, they have transformed their patio area with bright potted plants, there is a picture featuring a resident helping with planting

2. Bromfield House

Bromfield House, a supported living service for homeless adults, has transformed its basic garden into a peaceful and colourful retreat. With funding, staff volunteers, and donated plants from a local garden centre, the space now offers residents a place to relax and reflect. The once-drab communal area is now full of life and warmth.

A collage of Caledonia House garden, they have lush green and pink potted plants and flowers with cute bug ornaments

3. Caledonia House

Although only a couple of residents at Caledonia House took part, their weekly gardening sessions sparked real enthusiasm. Growing vegetables, especially potatoes, became a highlight and inspired them to find purpose through gardening. One resident shared, “It’s nice to be useful when you’ve been homeless,” and now dreams of having a garden of his own.

A collage of Canterbury House garden, they have a variety of differently coloured flowers in a variety of pots atop a short brick wall, they have also displayed some of their flowers in a beautiful hand painted shelf, there is also a photograph showing a tall pink blooming rose bush

4. Canterbury House

Canterbury House in Thetford began with an overgrown garden, but a weekly gardening club helped turn things around. Three dedicated residents worked hard to transform the space, growing a variety of vegetables. Although the sunflowers were planted a little late, everyone is looking forward to tasting their homegrown produce soon.

A collage of Church Road garden, they have resoiled an area od the garden and filled it with lush green vegetables, they have also displayed some colourful potted plants

5. Church Road

Residents at Church Road took part in both the flower and sunflower competitions. While the sunflowers didn’t survive, the flowers are thriving and look fantastic. Everyone put in great effort this year, and the results are a testament to their hard work.

A collage of Corner House garden, they have repainted their benches and shed lovely shades of blue, they have repainted their planter a soft red hue and added a shining metal bird feeder surrounded by bronze animal ornaments. They have also added two large wooden planters full of bright flowers.

6. Corner House

Corner House has turned a previously unused garden into a vibrant and welcoming outdoor haven. Bright plants, creative pots, and comfortable seating now fill the space, making it inclusive and relaxing. One client waters the plants daily, finding purpose and pride in the routine. Plans are already underway for a garden party to celebrate the transformation!

A collage of Dobsons House garden they have displayed a modern solar powered fountain and grown many beautiful sunflowers

7. Dobsons House

Residents at Dobsons House retirement community have worked hard to enhance their garden, starting with new raised beds and wildflowers. Sunflowers have grown tall and proud, and a tranquil water feature adds to the peaceful atmosphere. New seating allows residents to relax and enjoy peace and tranquillity in the space they’ve helped create.

A collage of Dunboyne Court garden, it shows empty waterlogged pots and troughs and then shows them filled with vibrant, lush and beautiful flowers

8. Dunboyne Court

Dunboyne Court’s garden has been transformed from a dull space into a vibrant, resident-led project. A gardening club was formed, with residents taking turns to care for the space and share ideas through a communication book. Donations of seeds, plants, ornaments, and pallets helped create accessible, tiered planting areas full of colour and life. The project has brought joy and a sense of community to everyone involved.

A collage of Glen House garden, the collage portrays a well kept lawn with a table, chairs and a green house. On the right side of the lawn is a tree in the center of a circular plot in which vibrant yellow and pink flowers have been planted

9. Glen House

Staff and residents at Glen House have added vibrant colour to their garden, inspired by winning a £100 voucher from a local garden centre. The project has focused on creating a bee-friendly space and promoting sustainability. A new greenhouse has been added, and residents are now preparing to grow vegetables. The garden is blossoming into a lively and welcoming area.

A collage of Harry Garrett Court garden portraying a light beige stone patio decorated with large planters holding bright flowers

10. Harry Garrett Court

Residents at Harry Garrett Court have thoroughly enjoyed organising and planting in their garden. The flowers have flourished, creating a lovely outdoor space. Everyone is committed to maintaining the garden and watching it continue to grow.

11. Hilltop House

Hilltop House’s garden was in need of some care, but residents and staff came together to transform it. They planted flowers and vegetables, restored old furniture, and added new pieces to create a welcoming space. The garden is now vibrant and full of life, even attracting friendly ducks. Residents enjoy relaxing, socialising, and celebrating in their revitalised outdoor area.

A collage of Howell House garden, they show their pretty flowers planted in various shades of pink, they also show their new bird feeder which is tall and has flowers at its feet

12. Howell Road

Gardening at Howell Road has had a powerful impact on clients’ wellbeing, offering a calming and purposeful space. Through planting, weeding, and creating raised beds, clients have found connection and pride in their work. The garden has become a shared canvas for creativity and collaboration. It reflects personal growth, turning neglected soil into a thriving sanctuary.

A collage of Lawley Bank Court garden showing their seafoam green shed and birdhouse, pastel pink hydrangea bushes and tall, lush sunflowers. They also have stone statues as decor.

13. Lawley Bank Court

Lawley Bank Court has created a beautiful wildflower sensory garden complete with water features, wind chimes, and freshly painted benches and shed. Residents spent hours potting herbs and plants, with help from local school children doing their Duke of Edinburgh award, and NatWest volunteers. Their tallest sunflower, grown by resident Alan, proudly stands at 220cm. The garden is a source of pride and joy for all.

A collage of Moreton Court garden showing a tree in a circular flower bed, that was previously dry and dead, has been revitalised and transformed into a lush bed of flowers. They also showcase their bright planters and lattices full of lush plants.

14. Moreton Court

The communal gardens at Moreton Court have become a vibrant hub, thanks to the dedication of two residents who designed and nurtured the space in their spare time. Colourful flower beds, balcony decorations, and a garden along the scheme wall offer beauty from every angle, including residents living on upper floors. A new gazebo and lighting have turned the garden into a welcoming social space for activities and relaxation. The aim was to create an inviting space for all, and it has truly flourished.

A collage of Nickelby Road garden showing their lawn are with picnic tables and painted yellow planters and lattices. They also have a few potted plants, a mirror and a decorative tapestry

15. Nickleby Road 

Clients at Nickleby Road have worked together to transform their garden, each contributing in their own way—from weeding and painting to planting and sanding furniture. The space now features fresh vegetables, colourful flowers, and solar lights that glow in the evenings. Staff supported the project, and the results have brought joy and pride to everyone involved. It’s now a vibrant, welcoming place to relax and connect.

A collage of Oak Lodge's wildlife garden, they show pictures of the their wildflower bed, their bug and bird houses and a resident helping dig out the flower bed

16. Oak Lodge

Residents and staff at Oak Lodge have transformed two garden areas into thriving wildlife havens with support from Greener Spaces, Thriving Places funding. The gardens now host birds, bees, butterflies, ladybirds, hedgehogs, and even a resident hedgehog named Sonic, who was rescued and released back on site. Wildflowers, herbs, and rose bushes brighten the space, which is regularly visited by squirrels and muntjac deer. The gardens offer a calming environment for wellbeing and support sessions, helping residents build friendships and social skills.

A collage of two Orchard House residents working on a large planter, they have shown pictures of red and pink flowers

17. Orchard House

Residents Lizzy and Faith took on the challenge of reviving a flower bed at Orchard House. They cleared out old plants, painted the area, and replanted bulbs, which are now growing beautifully. With the hot weather, the garden has been watered twice a day, and the positive results are already showing.

A collage of Queen Elizabeth Way garden areas showing their bug hotel, hand painted bird houses, communal seating area and a lush tree surrounded by picnic benches

18. Queen Elizabeth Way 

The garden at Queen Elizabeth Way has been designed to be inclusive and calming for all. Wildflowers and an insect hotel attract pollinators, while a trellis and garden furniture create a peaceful area for relaxation. Colourful bird houses add charm and vibrancy. The space is now welcoming and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

A collage of Redcoat Close garden they show their newly potted plants and a small solar powered fountain

19. Redcoat Close

Red Coat Close’s garden began with one client’s ideas and grew into a thriving gardening group. Flowers and plants were grown from seed or plugs, and clients now water them independently. The transformation from plain grass to a vibrant garden has brought fun, lifted spirits and encouraged social interaction.

A collage of Reepham Road's lush maintained lawn and a photograph of a berry bush growing in their garden

20. Reepham Road

After being inspired to take part in Ready Steady Grow, Reepham Road residents are continuing to add new features to their garden, with more improvements on the way.

A collage of Rockbourne House garden, they show a lush outdoor dining area shaded by greenery, they also show an arrangement of various coloured hanging pots attached to a wooden wall

21.  Rockbourne House

Despite joining the competition late, residents at Rockbourne House in Salisbury made the most of their time and resources. Comprising eight flats, the community embraced the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and develop their gardening skills. The experience brought joy and a renewed appreciation for outdoor activity.

A collage of Roman Ridge garden showing a full bushel of red and purple flowers atop a large stone pillar planter, they also show an arrangement of flowers within a triangular flowerbed with a birch tree in the center

22. Roman Ridge

Roman Ridge’s garden had previously been a bit unloved and neglected, but a new resident with a passion for gardening led a transformation. With help from others, he has planted wildflowers, refreshed raised beds, and revived an old fountain with vibrant plants. The garden is now full of colour and has become a favourite spot for residents to relax and enjoy.

A collage of Savernake Road garden, it shows that they have hand painted tyres and cubes to make 3 hand made pots. The pots are painted yellow and light blue and have tall sunflowers growing in them.

23. Savernake Road

Residents at Savernake Road, a supported housing service for homeless adults in Chelmsford, have transformed tyres and boxes into a sunflower garden. The before-and-after photos show the creativity and care that went into the project.

A collage of Shaftesbury Court garden, they show images of a worn down planter and bench, then the residents helping renew the garden and then the planter transformed into a lush green arrangement with hanging flower baskets and the bench repainted a warm brown

24. Shaftesbury Court 

Shaftesbury Court residents in Winslow embraced creativity and teamwork to transform their garden. From mood boards and shopping trips to planting and decorating, everyone played a part. The result is a vibrant and joyful space filled with colour and personality. It has become a joyful place to relax, socialise, and celebrate their shared achievement.

A collage of Simon Mead House garden, they have transformed the corner of their garden into a lovely woodchip planting area with a stepping stone pathway through it, they also show their collection of lush green potted plants

25. Simon Mead House

Simon Mead House’s communal garden was once neglected, unloved and unused, but residents and staff came together to transform it into a calm and beautiful space. Inspired by their new manager, the gardening group created a welcoming area dedicated to the memory of the previous manager. Residents now enjoy sitting outside, socialising, and caring for the garden. Events like coffee afternoons and BBQs have brought the community together.

Skelton Court have submitted a photographs of their lovely potted plant and a hanging fuchsia basket

26. Skelton Court

Staff and residents at Skelton Court have worked together to plant and develop their garden space. Their goal was to create a flower-filled area that attracts bees and insects. The residents love spending time outdoors and are proud of the garden’s progress.

A collage of Station Road garden showing their lovely plants and sunflower decorations, these all surround a hand painted mural. The mural primarily uses blue with accents of green and portrays the earth with mountains pointing outwards and a picture of a city atop the earth, words in the center of the earth read "Sunflowers always look on the BrightSide 2025"

27. Station Road

Station Road’s garden has become a vibrant, wildlife-friendly space thanks to the teamwork of clients and staff. Colourful flowers, fruit, vegetables, and sunflowers fill the garden, with reused materials and bee-friendly plants promoting sustainability. A highlight is artwork by resident Paul, featuring the message “Sunflowers always look on the bright side,” which captures the spirit of the project. The garden has supported independence, creativity, and mental and physical wellbeing for all involved.

A collage of Sussex Avenue garden, they show how their once dry planter is now filled with bright and healthy flowers

28. Sussex Avenue

At Sussex Avenue, a supported living scheme for adults with physical and learning disabilities, residents love spending time in the garden as often as they can. Their sunflower may be small, but it represents a giant effort and shared joy. The garden is a cherished space for everyone.

A collage of The Maples garden, they show their lush arrangements of plants and tall white rosebush next to two picnic tables

29. The Maples

The Maples garden has been transformed from overgrown to inviting, thanks to the dedication of clients and staff. One client, who worked on the garden nearly every day, found it helped his mental health and gave him a reason to get outside. His enthusiasm inspired others to join in, and the garden now features strawberries and plans for more fruit and vegetables. It has become a space of growth, healing, and shared effort.

A collage of Wimborne House garden, they show their awning decorated with flowers and hanging planters and their collection of bright potted plants, they also show a photograph of the resident that helped with the plants posed with the Wimborne house sign

30. Wimborne House

George, a dedicated resident at Wimborne House, has spent nearly a year transforming both the communal garden and forecourt into bright, welcoming spaces. His work includes flower beds, water fountains, a footbridge, and a fruit and vegetable patch, all created for residents to enjoy. George also added flower boxes at the entrance and crafted cheerful garden decorations. His hard work has brought colour and joy to the entire retirement community.

A collage of London Road garden showing how they transformed a once-empty plot into a quirky vegetable patch using an old row boat to hold vegetables

31. London Road

An empty patch of land outside this young person’s supported living scheme has been transformed into a thriving garden. With donations from local garden centres, residents planted herbs, fruits, and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, which are now used in cooking and making hot drinks. The garden continues to grow and evolve. It’s also brightened up the local community space.

A collage of Tavy road's many flowers and herbs they have planted

Tavy Road

Tavy road wanted to showcase the wonderful work three of their residents put into their garden. They grew many flowers and herbs to be used in cooking and kept in mind to make sure the plants were brightly coloured and smelled distinct for the benefit of a resident with limited vision. This project has greatly improved the mental health of the residents and helped give them something to look forward to in the day.

Unfortunately, due to their late submission, Tavy road cannot be voted for this year.