The Trust’s annual Trust in Bloom competition showcases and recognises the efforts of residents, team members and volunteers who work together throughout the year to plan and nurture garden areas in our care homes.

This year 55 Trust care homes are competing for the chance to become one of four divisional winners, and overall, Trust in Bloom 2024 winner. There are three judging rounds involving Senior Managers and OSJCT Trustees and the results are announced in late July.

The theme for Trust in Bloom 2024 is Vitality. Vitality is a state of aliveness, it refers to physical and mental energy, feeling strong and active.

Vitality in a care home is one of the most attractive features for prospective residents and their family members. Vitality can be demonstrated in many ways, including wildlife and growing gardens and community activities such as gardening events. It can also be evident in colour planting, wildlife and diversity, edible gardening, sensory elements, and interactive spaces. Trust in Bloom entries are asked to consider and amplify aspects of vitality in their garden plans. 

Thank you to our sponsors who have each donated prizes (worth £500) to be shared among divisional winners. Trusted Grounds Maintenance Contractors | Grounds Care Services (gcgrp.co.uk), Spa Gas | Mechanical Heating Systems & Commercial Plumbing, UK Landscapes | Commercial Landscaping Services

Care homes also choose which of the following categories to compete in: 

• Best hanging baskets Hanging baskets offer an opportunity to add colour and interest. Judges will look for an overall collection of hanging baskets.
• Best kerb appeal Kerb appeal can include dedicated borders and planters, as well as hanging baskets at the front of the home.
• Best miniature garden This can be a fairy garden, a single planter or large pot chosen for this category. The miniature garden must include at least two living plants. Previous examples have included a traditional pram and a bird bath.
• Best gardening club This could focus on gardening plans, gardening stories, homes could choose a resident gardener of the month, or show how gardening clubs involve the local community.
• Best wildlife garden areas This could be any area that focuses on encouraging wildlife to visit or planting to encourage bees or butterflies. A wildlife garden can be a dedicated space to grow seeds and grasses which attract bees and butterflies. It could also be a space for a bug hotel, or several bird feeders.
• Best edible gardening This could be any patch or planter where the home is successfully growing vegetables, fruit or herbs and using the produce in the home.
• Best overall garden grounds presentation Every home that takes part will be scored in this category.