CARE home residents featured on BBC One show Countryfile after signing up for the part of the Plant Britain campaign. 

White Lodge in Braydon is set in 10 acres of countryside and those living there have been planning how they want to develop their garden area. 

They have started the planting with a selection of fruit trees, plus some ornamental varieties in the main border. They have been adding colour around the garden with pots and hanging baskets. 

There will be a sensory garden with herbs and lavender plants, a rose memorial garden and raised beds to grow vegetables to be used in home-cooked meals.

Countryfile Plant Britain is two-year project to help tackle climate change, encourage wildlife, and improve everyone’s wellbeing. 

The goal is to plant 75,000 trees – one for every child that started school in 2020. 

Tina Hughes, one of the activities coordinators at White Lodge, introduced the project to one of her colleagues, Martine Whitehead.

“We are so pleased to be working on this project to make the resident ideas a reality, over the next couple of months we will be creating the Memorial Garden along with adding some raised beds so all the residents can actively get involved in gardening," said Tina.

The project – showcased on Sunday nights on BBC One – will be ongoing at the home throughout 2021.

One resident said: “I have always enjoyed gardening and it is wonderful I can continue this great love of mine at White Lodge. 

“I lost my wife last year and I have suggested we create a Memorial Rose Garden so those of us who have lost a loved one have somewhere we can go to sit and reflect.”

White Lodge is run by Barchester Healthcare, which provides nursing, residential and respite care. 

General manager Ramona Gherendi said: “In these unprecedented times, providing a range of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities for our residents is more important than ever. 

“Our residents really enjoy spending time outside and we look forward to seeing their plans develop over the coming months.”