Residents and staff from Oulton Manor care home praised for work in garden of eden

Residents and staff from a Leeds care home have been recognised for their hard work after winning a regional gardening competition.

The team from Anchor’s Oulton Manor in Wakefield Road were awarded gold in the Yorkshire in Bloom event.

More than £6,000 was spent on planting trees, shrubs and flowers and garden furniture to improve the gardens of the care home for the residents.

Helped by a group of care home residents, the gardeners spent weeks installing tree-lined paths, colourful flower beds and garden furniture. The team were also supported by members of Dementia Rothwell, a support network for those with the condition.

One of the highlights was a circular path designed specifically for those living with dementia.

Andrea Harley, Manager of Oulton Manor, said the circular route meant that residents with the condition could walk round enjoying the flowers and then recognise the point where they had started their walk.

She said: “We wanted to create a wonderful environment for all our residents and the circular path helps those living with dementia to find their way back to the building without getting confused and anxious.

“We were thrilled to have won gold after our first attempt. It was important to involve the community, too, so we worked with Dementia Rothwell as we wanted to put Oulton and Rothwell on the map!

“It’s been a real labour of love but it’s wonderful to see the results - our very own Garden of Eden. I’d like to thank everyone who helped.

“The residents involved were excited that we had won gold. It’s such an achievement. We will be holding a party, hopefully in the gardens if the weather holds out.”

Georgina Boughen, 84, who helped design the garden, said she enjoyed the peace and quiet of the garden.

She said: “I think it is wonderful we received gold, and so we should have! I like the views of the garden, looking at the flowers and listening to the birds.”

Fellow gardener Audrey Thackray, 79, who has lived at Oulton Manor since April 2016, said: “I wanted to get involved so that I could enjoy a lovely place to sit in the sun! I used to do a lot of gardening. I love being amongst the flowers.

“I’m so pleased with the new garden; it is lovely and the flowers are beautiful. The lavender is my favourite – I’m hoping to dry some out for my room.”

For more information on Oulton Manor, contact 0800 731 2020.