"Many people believe downsizing means an end to the pleasure that gardening can bring and we are keen to show this needn't be the case. Beechcroft, our sponsor, is committed to creating beautiful landscapes on its retirement developments and owners are able to help with the gardening as long as they add to the elements in a sympathetic way with careful regard to the original design.

"We have designed our Life Long Living garden to represent the way in which a private easily-maintained landscaped space can extend into, and blend with, the managed communal gardens. The waterway represents the natural or man-made water features found on Beechcroft developments and the planting has been selected to provide year-round colour and interest and attract wildlife. We hope to recreate this show garden on one of Beechcroft's forthcoming developments."