Trust in Bloom
Why it matters
Choosing a care home is about more than facilities - it’s about quality of life.
Spending time outdoors can lift mood, encourage gentle activity, and create moments of calm, connection and joy. For many people, it also brings back familiar routines through watering plants, enjoying fresh air, or simply sitting in a peaceful space with others.
And it matters to families too.
Research shows that 74% of people looking for care consider access to a garden one of the most important features of a home, while many say being surrounded by nature feels restorative and therapeutic.
That’s why we invest in outdoor spaces that support the whole person, not just their care needs.
More than gardening
Trust in Bloom isn’t a gardening competition in the traditional sense. It’s a way of bringing our homes to life through spaces that feel welcoming, purposeful and full of possibility.
You might see residents choosing what to plant, tending to raised beds, or simply enjoying time outdoors with friends and family. Some gardens are lively and social, others quiet and reflective but all are shaped by the people who use them.
These spaces support:
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Wellbeing, through fresh air, movement and time to relax
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Dementia-friendly living, with familiar scents, colours and safe, accessible design
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Meaningful activity, giving residents a sense of purpose and pride
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Community connection, bringing together families, volunteers and local groups
Care seekers across age groups agreed that the most important facility to have in a care home is an external, natural or green space such as a garden.
Lottie, The State of Care 2024 report
What it looks like in our homes
Every home brings Trust in Bloom to life in its own way.
Some create sensory gardens filled with lavender and herbs, designed to spark memory and calm. Others grow fruit and vegetables, or develop wildlife areas that attract birds and pollinators. Many create spaces simply to sit, chat and spend time together.
No two gardens are the same because no two communities are the same. Take a look below at what some of our participating homes created in 2025.
Celebrating creativity, care and community
Each year, homes across the Trust take part in Trust in Bloom, working towards a shared theme and showcasing their creativity, teamwork and dedication.
The 2026 theme, “Friendship”, celebrates the role our outdoor spaces play in bringing people together - from forming new connections to strengthening lifelong bonds.
Homes can take part in a range of ways, whether that’s:
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A garden led and cared for by residents
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An individual space created with pride
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A shared project with families, volunteers or local partners
Gardens are recognised not just for how they look, but for the difference they make supporting wellbeing, encouraging activity, and creating opportunities for people to connect.
A reflection of who we are
As a not-for-profit organisation, everything we do is focused on people — not shareholders.
Trust in Bloom is a visible expression of that commitment:
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Investing in environments that enhance everyday life
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Creating opportunities for connection and belonging
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Supporting our teams to go above and beyond for residents
It’s care you can see, feel and experience.
Winning again is a fantastic achievement. I’m so proud of our team and everyone who helped transform the gardens. For residents living with dementia, the joy on their faces when they see the flowers and wildlife says it all.
Cheryl Gilderdale, Home Manager at Hartsholme House, 2025 Trust in Bloom winner
Designed with purpose, rooted in people
Trust in Bloom is about more than participation, it’s about the difference outdoor spaces make to everyday life.
Across our homes, gardens are developed and recognised based on how they support meaningful outcomes for residents. This includes helping people stay active and engaged, providing space for relaxation and reflection, encouraging hobbies, creativity and independence, and supporting friendships and social connection. Gardens also play an important role in supporting nature and biodiversity.
These outcomes reflect what matters most in care and align closely with CQC quality statements, helping us evidence the lived experience within our homes.
But Trust in Bloom is not just about what is created, it’s about how it is created.
Families, friends, volunteers, schools and local community groups all play a role in bringing these spaces to life. From planting flowers to sharing skills, time and ideas, their involvement helps turn gardens into shared spaces that feel open, welcoming and connected.
As a not-for-profit organisation, this reflects our wider commitment to investing in environments that enrich everyday life and supporting our teams to go above and beyond for residents.
What this means for families
When you visit one of our homes, you won’t just see a garden.
You’ll see residents spending time outdoors with purpose - gardening, talking, relaxing, and enjoying fresh air in ways that feel natural and familiar. You’ll see families sharing moments together in welcoming outdoor spaces. You’ll see conversations, laughter and calm happening throughout the day.
These are the small, everyday details that make a real difference to quality of life and they help turn a care home into somewhere that truly feels like home.
Discover more
Many of our homes proudly take part in Trust in Bloom each year, each with their own unique approach.
Explore our homes to see how they bring outdoor spaces to life.