Care home gardens in full bloom for contest

Residents at a group of care homes have been flexing their green fingers in a gardening competition.

Stow Healthcare launched the 'Stow in Bloom' contest with categories ranging from tallest sunflower to best hanging basket.

Judges toured all five of the company's homes which includes Stowlangtoft Hall, Brandon Park and Ford Place in Thetford.

Each home was able to secure a 'Best in Stow' rosette for at least one of the 12 categories and newly acquired Halstead Hall received the Stow in Bloom 2018 trophy.

The judges were Pam and Bob Jackson, of Woolpit Nurseries, and garden designer Jane Hamblin, of Land Army Designs.

Ruth French, director at Stow Healthcare, said: "It has been inspiring to visit all our homes in recent weeks to see gardens flourishing, with careful watering.

"One resident has even requested a new name bade saying 'head gardener', which has been ordered for him."