11th November 2026
Sanctuary Supported Living
Residents at Tilmore Gardens proudly show off their certificates after being crowned overall winners of Sanctuary Supported Living’s Ready Steady Grow competition.
Residents with a passion for gardening at a Petersfield learning disability service have been crowned winners of a national competition after transforming their communal garden into a bright and welcoming outdoor space.
Tilmore Gardens, which provides residential care and support for adults aged 18 and over with a range of learning disabilities, is run by Sanctuary Supported Living, a not-for-profit organisation providing supported housing and tailored care and support services across England.
Following a public vote, residents took the top spot in the Growing Together Garden Challenge, securing the overall title in the supported living provider’s 2026 Ready Steady Grow competition. Spot prizes were also awarded to other services across the country.
The annual competition encourages residents across Sanctuary Supported Living’s services to get involved in gardening, showcase their creativity and take pride in their outdoor spaces. As well as bringing people together, it provides opportunities to develop new skills, improve physical and mental well being, and have a say in shaping the environments they call home.
Residents at Tilmore Gardens transformed their communal garden through a mix of planting, growing and creative upcycling. Old tyres were given a new lease of life as a decorative wishing well, concrete garden ornaments were refreshed, and chairs were repurposed into planters to create floral displays.
"The residents have really made the garden their own."
They also grew their own fruit and vegetables, including strawberries which were turned into homemade jam, and planted wildlife-friendly flowers to attract pollinators and bring more colour to the garden.
Residents were presented with trophies and certificates to celebrate their win, as well as a £200 B&Q voucher to help maintain and further develop their outdoor space.
Local Service Manager, Michelle Wilson, said: “The residents have really made the garden their own and you can see their personalities in all the little details. They’ve had the freedom to be creative, try different ideas and turn it into a space that feels very much like Tilmore Gardens.
“They’re really proud of what they’ve created, so to have other people recognise that and vote for them to win has made it even more special.”
As well as services for people with learning disabilities, Sanctuary Supported Living also provides accommodation with personalised support for people with physical disabilities, mental health needs, and homeless young people and adults, as well as retirement communities for people over 55 or with long-term care needs. To find out more about Sanctuary Supported Living’s services, see the latest news or find a service near you.
