Residents and colleagues at HC-One’s Hawthorn Court Care Home in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, have been busy nurturing their green spaces in a bid to win this year’s HC-One Gardens in Bloom competition.
The initiative, a cherished annual event across the HC-One care home network, celebrates the joy and therapeutic benefits of gardening while strengthening community bonds and promoting sustainable living. Throughout the spring and summer months, the team at Hawthorn Court rolled up their sleeves to transform their outdoor space into a vibrant, multi-sensory haven.
The garden now features a freshly painted fence and sheds in a bright colour chosen by residents and online followers via a popular Facebook poll, brand-new outdoor furniture, and a newly built greenhouse where homegrown herbs and tomatoes thrive.
This year’s competition welcomed entries from across the UK with homes encouraged to showcase creativity, community engagement, and lasting environmental impact.
One of the core values of the Gardens in Bloom initiative is to encourage community participation, and Hawthorn Court did just that. Residents and families came together to contribute ideas, paint, and plant, alongside two local volunteers who helped paint the fence with around 10 tins of paint over a weekend.
The old COVID pod attached to the lounge was removed, but its wood was cleverly upcycled to create two cheeky flowerpot men – named Liam and Noel in honour of the Oasis reunion – a fun touch that brought smiles to everyone. The collaborative spirit brought energy and connection to the project. Resident Tony, the garden champion, has tended the plants daily, nurturing the flowers and vegetables with care.
Everyone got involved in naming the flowerpot men and sharing gardening stories, fostering meaningful intergenerational interaction and a real sense of community pride. The team focused not only on creating an attractive garden but one that supports residents’ health and wellbeing.
The new garden is a peaceful outdoor retreat – now affectionately called ‘The Quiet Nest’ – where residents can relax and connect with nature, enjoying fresh air, sunshine, and the beauty of homegrown produce. Eco-conscious practices have been embraced throughout the revamp, with upcycling and sustainable gardening at the heart of the project.
The garden will be maintained by a weekly gardening club, ensuring it remains a thriving and cherished space. The sense of achievement at Hawthorn Court is already tangible. The garden has become a focal point for social gatherings, a source of pride for residents, and a welcoming space for visitors and families.
Emma Critchlow-Riley, HC-One’s Hawthorn Court Care Home Manager, shared:
“Residents, colleagues, and the local community really enjoyed transforming the garden area of the home in a bid to enter this year’s HC-One Gardens in Bloom competition. The entire experience brought so much joy and connection.
“I’m incredibly proud of the creativity and hard work everyone put into the project and the lasting benefit it’s already having on our residents' wellbeing. This garden isn’t just about flowers and plants; it’s a reflection of our care, community spirit, and the vibrant life we nurture at Hawthorn Court.”
As part of the judging process, HC-One selected five regional winners across England, Scotland, and Wales, with one overall winner crowned based on creativity, community engagement, and sustainable gardening practices.
Regional finalists received a plaque and gardening hamper whilst the overall winner, judged and selected by James Tugendhat, Chief Executive Officer at HC-One, received a trophy, plaque, and gardening hamper plus a £300 gift voucher kindly sponsored and donated by Real Trade Supplies.
For more information on HC-One homes in your area visit
www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes.