 The sensory garden took designer Cleve West 10 months to plan |
Two garden enthusiasts from Surrey have received a gold award at the Chelsea Flower Show for their Bupa garden. Christine Hawkins and Carmen Rodrigues both work for the health organisation and were selected to help award-winning designer Cleve West plant the garden. It was the first year Bupa had been involved with the show. Ms Hawkins said the sensory garden had been designed so it could be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and in particular those with dementia. She said one of its features is a pathway that runs around the whole garden and is wide enough for wheelchair access. Strong scents The 60-year-old who works at Bupa's Oakcroft House Nursing home, in West Byfleet, and Ms Rodrigues, 57, from Bupa's Crispins and Loadhams Nursing Home, in Farnham, were part of a group of five staff nominated to help with the garden. Cleve West, winner of five Royal Horticultural Society medals, said: "After 10 months of planning and three weeks of hard work to create the garden, it's great to get this recognition." The show garden was built upon the sensory gardens project which has been running in more than 250 of Bupa's care homes for the past seven years. They contain special features that stimulate the sights, smells and sounds of a garden and include sculptures, running water and plants with bold shapes, strong scents and bright colours. Some of the creations last year included a seaside garden, a garden with a crazy golf course, and another with features made entirely of recycled materials.
As the professionals show off their talents at the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show, we want you to send us photos of your garden. Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
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