Henry Cornish Care Centre, Chipping Norton, has been chosen as the Best Overall Garden in Oxfordshire, in the Trust's annual gardening competition. This achievement reflects all the hard work and dedication, by team members, volunteers and supporters in the community, which went into transforming the home’s gardens into vibrant and therapeutic spaces for residents and visitors throughout the year.

Henry Cornish joined 55 OSJCT homes in the competition. As the Oxfordshire winner they will receive £250 gardening vouchers from competition sponsor Ground Care Group. 

The care home has also been awarded category certificates for Best Wildlife Garden Areas, Best Edible Gardening and Runner up Kerb Appeal and Runner up Miniature Garden, in Oxfordshire. 

Special features in Henry Cornish’s competition entry included:

• New edible gardening planting areas in raised beds and a new polytunnel. Produce, used by the home, has included lettuce, beetroot, radishes and rhubarb.
• Special plants selected and donated by residents, including the Elizabeth of Glamis rose chosen by resident Joyce Tyrell to celebrate her 102nd birthday.
• Bedding plants chosen by residents, and children from the adjacent pre-school nursery who helped with garden planning during visits in the spring.
• A secluded garden area featuring a memory tree, where residents and friends of the care home can add ribbons and remember loved ones who have passed away.

The core working group for the garden included Jo Tustin, Activities Co-ordinator, Ann Thomas, Administration Assistant, volunteer Dave, and Ted, a former employee who also regularly volunteers at the home. 

Laura Beadle, Home Manager, said: "We're completely overjoyed to win Best Overall Garden in Oxfordshire! To see how our garden has transformed is incredible. Our residents, carers, the activities team, the admin staff—everyone has pulled together. Winning is such a joy. We didn't really expect it, but we wanted it, and we really worked hard. I’m so proud of the whole team."

Ann, who joined Henry Cornish in November, explained why gardens are so important for residents. "The benefits for the residents are immense—they feel a sense of freedom and relaxation in the garden, and it significantly boosts their wellbeing. They love the scented lavender and exploring different parts of the garden."

Dave said: "I've been weeding all the beds, cutting the lawns, and clearing the brambles. We've been doing it as a team. It's been great, and I love seeing the faces of the community enjoying the garden, especially on sunny days. One of my favourite parts is the memory tree area, which we cleared out and planted. I'm definitely continuing to volunteer, and we still have lots to do, but it's a team effort, and we all enjoy it."

To celebrate this achievement, Henry Cornish Care Centre is hosting an Open Garden and BBQ on Wednesday 21 August, 12noon – 3pm. This event will be an opportunity for the community to join in the celebration and support ongoing projects. For more details contact a.thomas1@osjct.co.uk, or follow the home on Facebook www.facebook.com/OSJCTHenryCornish.

To watch interviews with employees and volunteers and view the gardens at Henry Cornish Care Centre click on the link: https://youtu.be/f-0v05B1Bc8