Catherine House Care Home has received a Gold award after being named a joint winner of the Courtyard category in the 2026 Frome in Bloom competition.
The home’s courtyard was judged in July after Frome in Bloom organisers spotted photographs of it on Catherine House’s Facebook page and thought it looked like a ‘happy place’. Thankfully, the plants were on their best behaviour when the judges arrived!
The result was announced at a community ceremony at Selwood Academy, attended by representatives from schools, nurseries, shops and other organisations across Frome.
The award reflects the work that goes into the courtyard throughout the year, particularly from Activities Coordinator Sharon Chard and the maintenance team. Between planting, watering and keeping everything tidy, they have put in plenty of hours, although who gets the credit when the rain lends a hand remains open to debate.
Family members, as residents are fondly referred to, have also helped shape the courtyard. Regular trips out are part of life at Catherine House, and on one visit to Catley’s Garden Centre in Frome, family members chose plants for the shared space using their own gardening knowledge and preferences. Family member Janet helped select different combinations and worked with another family member to settle on a palette of violet, green and white, while the group returned home with around 18 sunflower plants kindly given to them by the Catley’s team.
The courtyard is part of everyday life at Catherine House. Family members use the space to sit outside, spend time with visitors and watch the garden change with the seasons, surrounded by plants they helped choose themselves.
Sherin, Home Manager at Catherine House, said “We were so pleased to receive Gold and to be named joint winners, everyone has worked incredibly hard. The trophy now has pride of place in reception, so nobody is allowed to walk past it without taking a look!”
Catherine House’s name has been engraved on the Award alongside those of previous winners. The trophy will remain at the home for one year before being returned for the next competition, but the team is hoping Catherine House’s name will appear on it for a second time.
With Frome in Bloom celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, the team is already considering entering three more categories, clearly, inspired by this year’s success.
To find out more about activities and events at Catherine House Care Home, please visit
https://catherinehousecarehome.com/activities-in-care-frome-care-home/