Raymond Blanc creates edible garden at Sanctuary Care home

Residents at a Watlington care home will be able to enjoy their own fruit and vegetables thanks to a top celebrity chef.

Raymond Blanc helped staff plant an edible garden, including tomato plants and currant trees, when he visited Sanctuary Care’s Watlington and District Nursing Home yesterday. All of the fruit and vegetables grown will be used in residents’ meals.

The French chef visited the town, which is a regional finalist in the Royal Horticultural Show (RHS) Britain in Bloom ‘Edible Britain’ campaign, as part of his on-going partnership with the RHS.

Speaking about his trip to Watlington and District Nursing Home, Raymond Blanc said: “I am delighted to be part of a campaign that adds so much value to local communities, particularly when it benefits places such as this lovely care home.

“The team have put time and energy into the gardens, encouraging residents to spend time in the greenhouse and helping make their grounds beautiful.”

Care home manager Julie Cooper said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Raymond Blanc took the time to visit our home. The residents and team are all huge fans of Raymond and his cooking and were delighted to meet him.

“The edible garden is a wonderful idea and we are delighted to be supporting the Watlington in Bloom campaign while providing delicious, fresh vegetables for our residents’ meals.”