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. For those who find getting outside more difficult, residents have been busy crafting miniature fairy gardens and even a vegetable Punch and Judy! Gardening has a tremendous impact on wellbeing and we are delighted that our residents and staff have been so engaged in designing the categories of the competition, before getting started on their entries in recent months.
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. Stowlangtoft Hall was awarded “Best in Stow” for their fabulous Miniature Fairy Garden and their Stow in Bloom Scrapbook which chartered their journey and the involvement of nearly every resident in the home.
The event was a huge success with excitement and enthusiasm, along with some light competitive spirit. It has been a wonderful way for staff, residents and member of many local community groups to come together and enjoy all things green and getting outside to enjoy the great outdoors.
