This summer we have been encouraging residents to get creative in the garden with the launch of our inaugural ‘Stow in Bloom’ competition, to engage residents, families, staff and volunteers to contribute to the effort to find ‘Best in Stow’! With categories ranging from tallest sunflower, to best hanging basket or vegetable crop, there has been something for everyone to take part in. Residents have been busy transforming our decking area into an outdoor paradise with hanging baskets, floral displays and enormous sunflowers.
We replicated a real flower and produce show, with beautiful rosettes, a winner’s trophy and 3 expert judges. The judges toured all 5 Stow Healthcare homes awarding rosettes for first, second and third place entries. The winners from each home were then taken forward to be judged “Best in Stow”. After some extremely difficult decisions and much deliberation the overall winners were decided. Halstead Hall won a grand total of 5 ‘Best in Stow’ rosettes; ‘Best Tomato Crop’ with approx. 100 tomatoes on a single plant!! ‘Tallest Sunflower’ totalling 246cm- just over 8ft!! ‘Best Floral Arrangement’ for the vibrant array of colours and plants ‘Best Hanging Basket’ with a fabulous trailing element and mix of contrasting colours. The judges awarded this garden the rosette for the ‘Best use of Resident Outdoor Space’ for the transformation of the abandoned decking area into a flourishing, colourful space full of flowers and plants for residents to enjoy with their friends and family.
This means Halstead Hall are this year’s Stow in Bloom 2018 overall winners and received the winner’s trophy. A special mention to resident ‘Head Gardener’ Derek who has been instrumental in the transformation.
