Sir Aubrey Ward House care home has been named Best Overall Garden in Buckinghamshire in OSJCT's annual Trust in Bloom gardening competition. This achievement reflects the dedication of team members, volunteers and community supporters who transformed the home’s gardens into vibrant, therapeutic spaces for residents and visitors throughout the year.

Sir Aubrey Ward competed with 51 other OSJCT homes which entered the competition. As the Buckinghamshire winner they received £125 gardening vouchers from competition sponsor SwitchShop. The home also received category certificates for winning Miniature Gardens, Community Gardening and Edible Gardening in Buckinghamshire.

Highlights from the winning garden:

• Garden planters painted by local children from St Peter’s Primary School
• Thriving vegetable beds growing beetroot, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers and more
• A reflections garden featuring roses donated by families in memory of loved ones, with a bench beside a tranquil water feature
• Bright, colourful flowers and fragrant herbs attracting bees and butterflies
• Wooden structures, including a pergola, bug hotel, and musical pipes made by the sons of Eileen, a resident, adding visual and sensory interest

Family members have generously contributed to the garden, coming together for a community day in May to add plants and new features, enhancing the space with colour and creativity.

Wendy Luck, Home Manager, said: "We're overjoyed to win Best Overall Care Home Garden in Buckinghamshire! Once again, families and supporters of Sir Aubrey Ward House have come together to transform our garden. Led by Annie, whose passion for gardening and resident involvement shines through, everyone has worked so hard. I’m incredibly proud."

Annie Sherwin, Activities Co-ordinator, added: "Winning isn’t necessarily about the award—it’s about having a beautiful garden where residents can relax, play, and feel proud. That’s the real reward.

"Our residents absolutely love the garden. Whether they’re watering plants, playing ball games, or simply enjoying an ice cream in the sun, it’s a space that brings joy every day. The family day was a highlight. Many of our families came together, donated to the garden and connected with one another. It was a true celebration of community spirit."

The home runs gardening sessions every weekday after breakfast, weather permitting, where residents take part in planting, watering, weeding and deadheading to keep their garden blooming.

Sir Aubrey Ward House also regularly hosts community events. For more information about the care home visit the Sir Aubrey Ward House website page here.