Villagers compete for best garden extravaganza
Douglasdale residents battled it out for the annual Garden Extravaganza competition.
Every year, Douglasdale Retirement Village hosts a family day where residents get to enjoy a relaxing outing filled with fun activities.
This year was no different but this time around it wasn’t just the birds at the retirement home that were fanning out their tail feathers, residents also battled to impress the judging panel during the annual Garden Extravaganza competition.
The panel was made up of both internal and external experts, who set the bar very high which motivated the village residents to prepare their gardens.
Barbara Holcroft from the home said, “The main purpose of the day was to give residents the opportunity to invite family and friends to view this year’s entries. The Family Day was held the week before the final judging, with many of our outstanding gardens on display.
“There were maps of the village on hand, highlighting the competition entries. Visitors wandered at their leisure enjoying the many outstanding displays, picking up great gardening tips and ideas along the way. The entry categories varied from large gardens to moderate simplexes and small apartments. It is incredible the creativity and themes that were produced in these areas,” Holcroft shared.
But that was not all, a huge entertainment area had been set up for the residents to enjoy. Other entertainment treats included a buzzing flea market, face painting for the kids, great music, and delicious food from a variety of street food vendors.
She added: “The village’s famous pancakes, Rotary Club boerie rolls, mocktails and more were offered. It was the perfect weather for residents to enjoy a relaxing day with family and friends. Everyone who attended agreed unanimously, that it was a huge success.”
The following week was all set for the long-awaited Gardening Extravaganza judging. Throughout the day, there was tea, coffee and cakes served in the gardens under the trees, with plenty of ice cream for the kids.
“Resident artists had their artwork on display, with several persuaded to sell their work. A prize-giving dinner was held that evening, with great excitement and anticipation as the winners were announced. Dawn McDonald was deservedly awarded both 1st prize for her outstanding garden and the prestigious Gardener of the Year for 2023.
“Dawn had produced a garden that can simply ‘take your breath away.’ Ermelinda da Silva received 1st prize for her small apartment garden. She is amazing, producing a huge display of the most beautiful roses at the age of 86. Well done to all our participants. This event is a marvellous initiative for the residents of Douglasdale. It brings people together, creating excitement and enthusiasm amongst people of all ages.”
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