Specialist orchids will be on sale at a community Summer Garden Party on Saturday, 30th June, taking place at Greenhill House in Timsbury, a care home run by disability charity, Leonard Cheshire.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and all are welcome to come along and enjoy a BBQ, tea and cake in the home’s beautiful garden. As well as orchids for sale, there will be a raffle, various craft stalls, and educational treats, including a bee keeper showcasing his hive.

The care home began an orchid project in July 2017, concentrating on growing tropical varieties. They use specialist polytunnels to grow the orchids in a hot, humid environment, reflective of their natural habitat. The project recently won a Bronze medal at the RHS Orchid Show and Plant Fair in Westminster, London.

Residents of the care home have been involved in all aspects of growing the orchids; from choosing the varieties, to planting and cultivating them. This project has given them the opportunity to learn new skills, while improving confidence and well-being.

Jane Harding and Debbie Hicks, residents of Greenhill House, said: “We really enjoy the hands-on practical activity with orchid growing – everyone here can get involved in whatever way they want.”

Greenhill’s Orchid Project is just one of many gardening projects Leonard Cheshire is developing. The charity recently received funding from the National Garden Scheme to develop new sensory gardens and horticulture volunteering programmes for young disabled people.

Ann Birtwhistle, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Greenhill House, said: “We are excited to show off our wonderful orchids at our garden party. It will be a great opportunity to build new relationships within the community, whilst raising valuable funds to support future projects. It promises to be a lovely, fun-filled afternoon.”

The event is free to attend, with the option of giving a discretionary donation. All money raised will go towards funding projects for the people supported by Leonard Cheshire at Greenhill House.