2024 Entries
1. Woburn House
Keep Calm, Love Plants
Resident David has spearheaded a remarkable transformation at Woburn House, turning gardening into a source of therapy.
With the support of staff, David has experienced significant improvements in both his mental and physical wellbeing while working in the garden.
His passion has inspired other residents to join in, and together they are creating a welcoming and homely environment with hopes of inspiring even more people to get involved.
2. Felixstowe
Keep Calm, Love Plants
After challenges with vegetables last year, Buregate Road residents decided to focus on fruit and flowers this time around. They enhanced the back garden with vibrant wildflowers, enjoyed by both residents and wildlife.
They then revitalised the front garden, which had been looking tired and drab, by replacing old soil, adding a weed membrane, and levelling planters.
This transformation has been well-received by residents and neighbours. More residents are now engaged in maintaining the garden, which fosters interaction and enriches the community atmosphere.
3. Eastgate
Keep Calm, Love Plants
At Eastgate, residents and one resident's parent have taken on an exciting project to brighten up the large front area of the house. Although they acknowledge that more work needs to be done, they are enthusiastic about the progress and committed to continuing the improvements.
Despite budget constraints, they have made significant strides. If they are fortunate enough to receive any prize money, they plan to reinvest it into the front garden to further enhance the entrance. They recognize the importance of first impressions and are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inviting space.
4. Halton Road
Keep Calm, Love Plants
At Halton Road, a dedicated resident has transformed a once-overgrown garden into a vibrant community space for the learning disability service in Runcorn.
Over four months, they partnered with the local B&Q to nurture donated plants and repurposed pallets into planters filled with flowers. Their efforts, supported by fellow residents, have revitalized the garden.
The resident takes pride in sharing gardening tips and seeing passers-by admire the garden's progress, making it a true community endeavour.
5. Clover Court
Keep Calm, Love Plants
Resident Hazel, passionate about nature, embarked on a wildflower project to attract butterflies and other insects. With help from staff, she cleared a bed, sowed wildflower seeds, and enhanced the space with colourful lights and ornaments.
This garden, creating a visually stimulating environment, reduces stress and anxiety while enriching the senses which benefits Hazel’s autism and mental health.
Hazel takes great pride in seeing her wildflower patch thrive and has thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with staff on this project.
6. Baskeyfield House
Keep Calm, Love Plants
The residents at Baskeyfield House have been busy planting and caring for a variety of beautiful plants.
Resident Tina has taken on the challenge of growing a sunflower. While the sunflower’s head isn't fully open yet, it has grown very tall!
See our Sunflower entries at the bottom of the page!
7. Southend Young People
Keep Calm, Love Plants
At Southend Young People Supported Housing, a previously underutilised and unattractive space has been transformed into an oasis.
The team incorporated peace-promoting plants like lavender, eucalyptus, and an olive tree to create a calming environment.
They chose soft yellows and whites for the flower colour scheme and added wind chimes, lighting, decorations, and comfortable seating to enhance the tranquillity of the space.
The result is a beautifully peaceful retreat where residents can come to relax and recharge.
8. Dashwood House
Keep Calm, Love Plants
Residents of Dashwood House, which supports adults with learning disabilities and autism, transformed their garden to enhance mental health and social interaction.
They painted the fence a calming blue and, despite having issues with slugs, persevered with planting to turn the garden into a cherished space where residents can relax and enhance their well-being.
Residents like Paul, Liam, James, Luke, and Ryan played key roles in the project, showcasing teamwork and dedication.
9. Oak Lodge
Keep Calm, Love Plants
This summer, residents at Oak Lodge undertook a remarkable gardening project, transforming their outdoor space with a generous donation of 186 plants!
Their hard work and dedication have created a vibrant and flourishing garden, showcasing their commitment and enthusiasm.
The garden has been brought to life through their collective effort, reflecting the incredible impact of their involvement.
10. Bransby Court
Keep Calm, Love Plants & Best Fruit and Veg Patch
When Helen became the Local Service Manager at Bransby Court, the communal outdoor area was in poor condition. Through house meetings, residents contributed ideas for its transformation and decided to enter Ready Steady Grow.
They chose a recycling theme, focusing on growing fruit, vegetables, and flowers. The project was completed with minimal costs, and the area is now a pleasant space for socialising.
All residents actively participated, meeting regularly to discuss their ideas - and plans for next year are underway. This project was a big success, and staff are proud of their collective effort.
11. Station Road
Keep Calm, Love Plants & Best Fruit and Veg Patch
Residents at Station Road eagerly embraced the challenge of Ready Steady Grow this year, channelling their creativity and skills into creating a vibrant garden bursting with flowers and homegrown vegetables. With an emphasis on sustainability, they transformed the space using mostly upcycled materials, showcasing both ingenuity and dedication.
This project is a year-round endeavour for residents, and the Ready Steady Grow competition allows them to work toward a meaningful goal and is a great opportunity to gain well-deserved recognition for their hard work and commitment.
12. Poplar House
Best Fruit and Veg Patch
This year marks the beginning of an exciting vegetable-growing journey for Derek, starting with lettuces, courgettes, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs.
With a passion for gardening, he is eager to expand his garden in the coming months and aims to enhance the space into a vibrant and productive area as he gains more experience.
13. Clover Court
Best Fruit and Veg Patch
At Clover Court, the team decided to plant a variety of fruits and vegetables this year, allowing residents to choose what they would like to grow. The garden now features runner beans, potatoes, strawberries, radishes, cucumbers, peas, onions, and tomatoes.
Despite a slow and steady growing season, residents have worked diligently in the garden. Their hard work and dedication have been evident throughout the year.
14. Sidegate Lane
Best Fruit and Veg Patch
Residents at Sidegate Lane have been very busy in the garden this year. They particularly enjoy growing tomatoes and herbs to provide fresh, home-grown produce for the kitchen. Currently, they have basil and thyme flourishing alongside their tomato plants.
Responding to requests for more colour in the garden, staff have focused on planting lupins, wildflowers, forget-me-nots, sunflowers, and geraniums. Although the summer weather has not been ideal, causing some challenges for the plants, residents remain dedicated to brightening up their garden.
Tallest Sunflower Entries
Clover Court
Baskeyfield House
