A CARE home in the New Forest raised nearly £1,000 for charity after opening its garden to the public.
Colten Care’s Kingfishers in New Milton welcomed 93 visitors as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS), which supports nursing and health charities across the country.
Residents Mollie Speirs and Averil Meek provided live piano music throughout the event, playing a mix of classical and popular pieces – including the fitting tune Tulips from Amsterdam.
Guests enjoyed refreshments while exploring the grounds, taking in colourful flowerbeds, winding paths, a lavender avenue, pergola, greenhouse, vegetable patch and a newly installed water feature. Plants grown in the garden were also available to buy.
Resident Terry Brown said: “Our garden is looking great, beautiful. It was so nice to see the locals come in and enjoy it.”
Rose Arcellana, companionship team leader, added: “We thank everyone who supported us and helped to make the weekend a success. To have raised £1,000 is a wonderful achievement.”
Kingfishers is one of three Colten Care homes taking part in the NGS this summer, along with Brook View in West Moors and Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst.