A CARE home has had its garden highly commended in a national competition.

Staff and residents of Ashlar House, in the Plain, Epping, were invited to the final of the Barchester in Bloom gardening ceremony after being chosen from among 115 entries nationwide.

They have been growing their own vegetables in its grounds and at the ceremony were presented with a trophy for their efforts from celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock.

Ashlar House general manager Anne Driscoll said: “This has been a fantastic day. Our staff and residents and guests have worked hard designing, planting and nurturing our garden and I am so pleased that we were able to make it to the finals.

“We feel that making the most of the outdoor space is important for our residents and it has been lovely to see them and their guests really enjoy our garden this summer.”