Bury St Edmunds’ first ever Bury in Bloom competition for care home residents, Senior Green Fingers, has been hailed a success by organisers.

The competition saw those at five Bury care homes and day clubs take part, but the successful “trial run” has left organisers hoping for an even bigger event in 2016.

In Bloom coordinator Melanie Lesser said she was overwhelmed by the feedback from those taking part.

“It has been a brilliant success,” she said. “Keeping the elderly active is important and they have been really enthusiastic.

“It is a benefit for everyone, the care homes have been able to bounce ideas off each other, the residents stay active and they create wonderful gardens.

“We are going to be running it again next year. This was a trial run, we already held Young Green Fingers and we thought we should do something at the other end of the spectrum as well.

“The feedback has been brilliant, from everyone involved. We are hoping to get even more care homes and day clubs involved for next year.”

Prizes and awards were handed out to all of the green fingered residents at the homes taking part.

Elderberries, Cornwallis Court, Davers Court, Orbit Housing, in Cullum Road, and St Peter’s Nursing Home all entered.

The competition was judged by keen gardeners Chris Hodgson, a retired GP, and Sue Thompson, a retired hospital consultant, both of whom are keen to promote the benefits of gardening for older people.

The prizes were presented by Nick Evans, director of sales and purchasing, and Anita Steer, company secretary from Treatt, which sponsored the competition, at a ceremony held at Davers Court Day Centre, in Shakers Lane.

The categories and prize winners were: commended for use of volunteer gardeners, Elderberries; commended for display board and hanging baskets, Orbit Housing; commended for use of unusual seeds, Cornwallis Court; commended for art project, St Peter’s Nursing Home and commended for community involvement, Davers Court.

The top prize went to Elderberries, who were awarded the title of best in show.

Any day clubs and care homes that want to get involved next year can contact Bury in Bloom’s Mrs Lesser on 01284 766955 or email melanie@buryinbloom.org.uk.

To find out more information about Bury In Bloom, visit www.buryinbloom.co.uk