Care homes are communities providing support, friendship and a sense of belonging. Coming to live in a care home is the start of a new chapter of life with opportunities to continue to enjoy pastimes and hobbies, passing on skills and expertise to others and enjoying life to the full.
As part of the Country Court in Bloom gardening competition, each care home nominates their Head Gardener. Our Head Gardeners are always on hand to help in their gardens, share their gardening expertise with our staff and encourage other residents to take pride in their gardens. The obvious choice for Head Gardener at Abbey Grange was Ernest Markham.
Ernest worked for the GPO General Post Office for more than 36 years. He has always loved gardening and enjoyed looking at other gardens on his post rounds which gave him lots of ideas and inspiration for his own garden. His passion for gardening started early, as a child he would help his Dad in the garden and has always enjoyed being outdoors in the fresh air.
Ernest served in the general army and loved walking and hiking so CC in bloom was right up his street. Ernest took the lead in watering the plants in the morning after breakfast and potting new plants. He took great pride in ensuring the planters, hanging baskets and flower displays at Abbey Grange were looking their best. He also helped tidy and neaten up the flower beds and tended to the tomato plants, he took every opportunity to be outside in the garden.
With his gardening expertise and hard work, Abbey Grange won third place in the best flower display category in the 2020 Country Court in Bloom competition.
If you would like to know more about life at Country Court, we are here to guide you through the process of choosing and moving into a care home. If you are thinking about a care home for yourself or a loved one, please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you. We are here to chat about your care needs and answer any questions you may have.
