GREEN-fingered residents of a care home in Wokingham are hoping for good luck after entering a gardening competition.

Residents and staff of Alexandra Grange Care Home, in Oaklands Drive, were visited by the judges of the annual Hallmark in Bloom competition on Monday, July 30.

The competition is open to all care Hallmark care homes throughout the UK, and Alexandra Grange are feeling confident.

Despite not winning any titles in the contest last year, the residents have been busy planting pots or simply enjoying the gardens.

On judging day, staff members dressed up as bees, ladybirds and butterflies to give a hint to year's insect theme, while residents enjoyed enjoying a taste of the British summertime with an outdoor barbecue, face painting and a visit from Browells Pet Therapy, who brought in kittens, rabbits and owls for the residents to meet.

One of the judges, Hallmark Care Homes Head of Dementia April Dobson said: “The hospitality team really showed off their creativity by producing canapes shaped like caterpillars, ladybirds and bugs – all totally delicious.

"Several residents had entered into the spirit of the day with face painting and it was lovely to see them engaging with the small animal farm that had been brought in for the event.”

The results of the event will be announced next month.