Coopers Croft Resident Combines Gardening with Canal Art to Create Floral Sanctuary

81-year-old John Humphries from Coopers Croft care home in Stoke on Trent is sharing his passion for gardening and art with his fellow residents, transforming areas of the home’s outdoor spaces as part of HC-One and Ideal Carehome’s Gardens in Bloom competition.

Gardens in Bloom encourages care home staff and residents across the country to work together to create beautiful outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. This year, care homes will be aiming to ‘wow’ celebrity guest judge, Rachel de Thame.

Each year, the garden transformations are a real community effort, with local garden centres, businesses, and schools donating their time and resources to help the care homes build impressive displays and garden features.

When John moved to Coopers Croft in April 2024 with his wife, Marjorie, John told the staff at Coopers Croft how much his garden had meant to him.

Hearing John’s passion, the staff in the home ensured he had ample space in the home’s garden to create a floral sanctuary.

Proudly planting seeds and flowers of every colour, John put together a beautiful, vibrant display for all to enjoy, and even used his canal art skills to paint a sign, naming the display ‘Summer Row’. John said,

‘I love to watch the seeds mature and see how beautiful they are. My new garden is my pride and joy, I work on it every day after breakfast and lunch, and I’ve always liked my canal art projects. Being able to combine the two is really special!’

Sam Smith, the Home Manager at Coopers Croft, added, ‘It’s so important for us to encourage and support our residents to pursue their passions, and we do all we can to facilitate whatever those passions might be.’

‘John’s flower displays are a wonderful addition to our home’s garden; the other residents love to stop and admire the colours.’

To find out more about the Coopers Croft’s gardens call 01782 355 483, email coopers.croft@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Coopers Croft, operated by Ideal Carehomes, offers 24 hour, person-centred residential and dementia care and is rated 10 out of 10 on care home review website, carehome.co.uk. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, attractive décor and landscaped gardens, Coopers Croft is welcoming new residents for short- and long-term placements with a unique all-inclusive fee to give peace of mind to residents and their families.