Green-fingered Isle of Wight resident sees dreams come true

Right up until the age of 88, Harold, now a resident at Vecta House, would tend to his large garden at his family home in Chillerton.

The garden became Harold's pride and joy after retiring from his job as a bricklayer, growing potatoes, onions, runner beans, carrots and peas.

In his treasured greenhouse, he would sow flower seeds like sweet peas, statice and calendula, and he was a prize runner for his beautiful gladioli.

Harold and his family at the flower show (Image: Contributions)

Harold enjoyed competing in the Chillerton and Gatcombe Flower Show, where he would often win prizes, medals and cups. 

In later life, Harold took up judging at other Island shows and became an expert on how to grow veg and flowers to perfection.

Harold retired from judging in his late 80s but would still advise whoever needed it. 

Every July would see the preparation for the village show, where Harold loved chatting and exchanging hints and tips with the locals and old friends. 

Flower display and vegetables in a basket at the Chillerton and Gatcombe Flower Show (Image: Contributions)

Harold's children and grandchildren still carry on the tradition each July, preparing and organising the village show. 

In the past year, Harold's health has deteriorated, and he has moved to Vecta House, but, happily, outside his bedroom window, there is a raised area of the garden where his family have planted some of his favourite flowers to remind him of his garden in Chillerton. 

In July this year, Harold's daughters were preparing for the show and asked the activities team at Vecta House if Harold could attend the village flower show.

Tanya Everson, head of activities at Vecta House, said: “On the day of the show Harold was treated like royalty by the organisers of the show. 

"As he entered the showground, he was greeted by family, friends and fellow judges
he had once worked with. 

"Harold enjoyed walking around the tents, looking at all the flowers and vegetables on display, giving his opinion on what displays he thought were winners and telling us names of the flowers that surrounded us.

"It was such a pleasure to bring Harold back to something he once loved so much and to see the joy it had brought to both him and his family. It was such a truly special day."