PlantAdvice.co.uk

The annual Gardens in Bloom awards, which are run by Peverel Retirement and open to its 1500 developments nationwide, saw the Torquay pensioners win the Best Overall Garden category, beating off more than 100 competitors – and it’s largely thanks to their Joint House Manager, Ian Rennie. 

Ian, aged 61, has worked at Homecombe House for nearly a decade. 

He comments:  

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard we’d won Peverel Retirement’s Best Overall Garden award. It was completely unexpected, with our balmy weather in Torquay the Residents often get the chance to sit outside and enjoy the garden.”  

Resident Daphne Burleigh, 75, says:  

“Ian keeps the garden looking beautiful. In the summer, it was a picture of colour. I’m not alone in wanting to spend as much time in the garden as possible." 

“We’re all delighted to see that Ian has been recognised for all his hard work and we consider ourselves very lucky to have such a lovely garden at Homecombe House.”  

Daphne continues: 

“We have regular events at Homecombe House including quizzes, BBQ’s and parties. Ian a keen photographer, he often puts on a slide show for all the Residents, which is really enjoyable. We all contribute a £1 entry donation for social events, which goes towards the gardening fund so there’s always plenty of money for beautiful plants.”  

Managing Director of Peverel Retirement, Keith Edgar, concludes: 

“Ian has really gone the extra mile in creating the most fabulous garden for all to enjoy at Homecombe House. Congratulations from all of us at Peverel Retirement.”