Residents at an Ayr care home are celebrating their green-fingered success after winning a national gardening competition.
Bupa’s Claremont care home scooped the top prize at this year’s Scotland and North Garden competition, thanks to its stunning garden which is awash with different colours and plants.
The residents are particularly passionate about horticulture and were delighted by their success, which adds to a number of accolades awarded to the garden. After setting up a gardening club for residents ten years ago, the home’s grounds have gone from strength to strength and have been acknowledged with various awards, including frequent wins at the Ayr Flower Show.
Carol Barr, Home Manager at Bupa’s Claremont Care Home, said: “Gardening is very popular with our residents and over the years we’ve had a great success in different competitions. It’s always brilliant to see the smiles on their faces when they’re in the garden and we’re all so proud when it gets recognised with awards. This latest one is particularly deserved for all the hard work that has been put in.”
Claremont’s winning garden features water features, a greenhouse and herb garden for the residents to enjoy, along with a mural painted by local artist, Marlene Guthrie. The mural was a celebration of Robert Burns and his famous cottage as the home is located closely to it. The garden also features raised flowerbeds for residents with limited mobility.
The home worked with residents to incorporate their ideas and preferences into the grounds. Residents were hands-on throughout the whole process, choosing the flowers to be used and watching it come to life.
Speaking about the benefits of the home’s gardening club, Carol Barr continues: “It’s really important that residents are able to continue their personal hobbies when they move into a care home. Our gardening club makes a real difference for our residents, helping keep them both mentally and physically active, and letting them continue to enjoy the outdoors.”
Bupa’s Claremont care home offers specialist residential and nursing care, for both short and long-term stays. The home underwent an extensive refurbishment in January 2015 which included full redecoration and new furnishings throughout the home. To promote independent living residents have access to lounges and kitchens so they can get refreshments for themselves as well as enjoying the meals provided in the home.
