Gail accompanied residents Jackie and Elaine to the Malmesbury in Bloom awards last Friday, where they were delighted to discover that Athelstan House had secured second prize for its Vegetable and Allotment Patch.

The home was also recognised with a Highly Commended award in the Super Gardener 2026 category, celebrating the dedication and enthusiasm that goes into keeping the home’s gardens flourishing throughout the year.

The awards are a wonderful recognition of the time and care invested by residents and colleagues, who have worked together to tend the vegetable plots, nurture plants and create colourful outdoor spaces for everyone at the home to enjoy.

From planting and watering to harvesting homegrown produce, gardening provides residents with opportunities to spend time outdoors, share knowledge and enjoy seeing their hard work come to life.

Events such as Malmesbury in Bloom are also an important part of connecting care homes with the wider community. They give residents opportunities to get involved in shared projects, attend events and celebrate their achievements beyond the home. Gardening in particular can bring residents, families, colleagues, volunteers and local groups together, creating new friendships, encouraging the sharing of skills and helping ensure care homes remain active and visible parts of the communities around them.

Dean Palfrey, Home Manager at Athelstan House, said: 

We are incredibly proud of Gail, our residents and everyone who has played a part in making our gardens such a special part of life at Athelstan House. There is a real sense of teamwork behind everything we grow, and it has been wonderful to see residents enjoying the gardens and taking such pride in what they have achieved.

Events like Malmesbury in Bloom are about much more than winning awards. They bring people together, give our residents something to work towards and celebrate, and help us build connections both within the home and with our wider community. To receive second prize for our Vegetable and Allotment Patch, alongside a Highly Commended award, is fantastic recognition of everyone’s hard work.

The team at Athelstan House would like to say a huge well done to Gail and everyone who has helped throughout the year, tending the plots and making the gardens a beautiful place for residents, families and colleagues to enjoy.

With two fantastic accolades to celebrate, Athelstan House can certainly say that its gardens have been blooming wonderful in 2026!