Residents and service users from care homes across Caerphilly County Borough have been praised after creating inspirational floral displays.
The green-fingered gardeners’ displays were entered into an annual competition – organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s social services team – and included entrants from residents at Brodawel Care Home in Energlyn, Min-y-Mynydd and Oakdlands Day centre, both in Rhymney, Troed-y-Bryn in Penyrheol, and Ystrad Mynach Resource Base.
Categories included Inspirational; Best Themed Area; Best Herb Garden; Best Sensory Area; and Most Creative Floral Display, with winners receiving a plaque for their efforts.
Displays were judged by staff at Windy Ridge – the council’s horticultural facility for those with learning difficulties – and representatives of the advocacy group Caerphilly People First.
Maureen Jervis from Min-y-Mynydd was a winner in the inspirational category, and said: “I loved taking part in this competition. It was lovely to make something everyone can enjoy.”
Also awarded in the same category was Bernice Johnson, from Energlyn, who added: “I am thrilled to have won a joint place for my creation. I am already thinking about what I can do for next year.”
Cllr Carl Cuss, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Wellbeing, said, “I am blown away by the calibre of the entries for the competition. The individuals from care homes and day services along with the staff, have gone all out to create unique and creative displays.
“We place a high importance in making these facilities a home from home for residents and as a result all of the facilities have their own individual design which reflects the personalities of the residents.”