A DUDLEY care home has been named a regional finalist in a national gardening competition.
Sedgley Court Care Home in Brick Kiln Way was recognised in the HC-One Gardens in Bloom competition, which celebrates creativity in outdoor spaces across care homes in the UK.
The home impressed judges with its vibrant, dementia-friendly garden, designed to promote wellbeing, community connection and biodiversity.
Stacey Morrall, front of house manager at Sedgley Court, said: "This recognition means so much to us because it’s a celebration of teamwork, creativity and the joy that comes from being close to nature.
"Our garden has become a place where friendships grow alongside flowers and where residents, families and our community can come together.
"Watching the transformation, and seeing the smiles it brings, has been truly heart-warming."
The garden features brightly coloured furniture, windchimes, sunflowers, roses, petunias, hydrangeas, clematis and lupins.
It also includes raised vegetable beds, bug boxes, birdhouses and bird baths.
The space was developed with the help of residents, families, volunteers and visitors from Sandiacre Garden Centre, who donated plants and assisted with planting and painting pots.
A highlight of the project was a friendly sunflower-growing competition.
The garden includes a dementia-friendly sensory area with fragrant plants such as lavender and rosemary, wildflower patches to support pollinators, shaded seating areas, and habitats for wildlife.
Biodiversity was also a key focus, with composting, peat-free soil and recycling of materials.
The home has since launched a weekly gardening club to keep the project growing throughout the year.
The HC-One Gardens in Bloom competition encourages care homes to explore creative gardening ideas and promote sustainable practices.
Regional finalists received a plaque and gardening hamper, while the overall winner was awarded a trophy, plaque, gardening hamper and a £300 gift voucher.
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