A NEW campaign seeing care homes celebrate their gardens has been backed by TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh, who says never before has there been such a "special" need for outdoor spaces at care homes.

Professional gardener Titchmarsh has given his support to a drive for care home residents and their local communities to get out and garden.

'Balhousie in Bloom', set up by Perth-based care home operator Balhousie Care Group, launched the competition across its 26 care facilities over six regions of Scotland.

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Mr Titchmarsh said while gardens and outdoor spaces have become sanctuaries across the board for people over the last year, they have become "even more special" for care homes.

Many families with relatives in care homes have become frustrated since the first lockdown last year, which saw thousands of elderly Scots isolated with restrictions on visiting.

Only in March were coronavirus restrictions eased which meant people could meet with their loved ones inside the homes.

Before then, many families were making do with window or garden visits.

"Over the past year, our gardens and outdoor spaces have brought more joy to people than ever, offering a sanctuary, a place to relax and be closer to nature, and a place for activity and exercise", Titchmarsh explained.

"In care homes they have become even more special.

"It is wonderful to see residents and staff across Balhousie Care Group celebrating their gardens through Balhousie in Bloom."

Balhousie in Bloom has already seen lots of activity by Balhousie's care homes, with garden revamps taking place across the group.

At Balhousie Luncarty in Perthshire, resident John Simpson recently broke ground on a project which will transform the front garden of the historic property, formerly a country home. 

Staff, residents and community volunteers have joined in with planting and the first of many garden activities which will create some fun projects over the next two months. Balhousie Luncarty received donations of plants from local Aldi, B&Q, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Lidl and Morrisons stores.

However, such is the competitive spirit across Balhousie's care homes, Balhousie Luncarty Manager Cheryl Banks is keeping 'mum' about their design plans.

"All I can say is that our new garden will be a celebration not only of the care our staff show but also the strength of Balhousie Luncarty's community links", she said. 

"Our home is located right in the heart of Old Luncarty village and has close ties with the local nursery and community groups.

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"We don't ever take these associations for granted, so we wanted to create a project which would pull everyone together."

The winning care home will receive a £500 prize from Balhousie Care Group for its residents' comfort fund.

The competition has four categories, including Staff & Resident Participation, Most Improved Garden, Community Engagement, and Indoor Garden.

Titchmarsh, who will judge the final winner from photos and videos compiled by the entrants, said he is "delighted" to be involved, while the Care Group is "thrilled to bits" to have the TV star's backing.

Jill Kerr, Group Chief Executive Officer at Balhousie Care Group and one of the category judges, said:  "Many of our residents and staff take a lot of pleasure from spending time and working on our homes’ gardens and this is a lovely way to celebrate the joy this brings.

"It's inspiring to see all our homes embracing the competition and we're thrilled to bits to have Alan on board as our final judge.

"He'll be working from photos and videos as his TV commitments mean he can't travel up here in person, so our care homes will be working hard to document their 'Bloom' journey."

In February, the Scottish Government published new guidance supporting meaningful contact in care homes, which supports meaningful contact to resume between care home residents and their loved ones.

The guidance recommends that care homes can now resume indoor visiting for up to two visits per resident per week, and up to two designated visitors. 

It adds only one person should visit at a time.

Care homes will first need to make arrangements to do this and meet a set of safety conditions.

Judging for Balhousie in Bloom takes place in June with winners announced in July. Want to get involved or send a donation? Email enquiries@balhousiecare.co.uk