Celebrity gardener Joe Swift has opened a wildlife garden at a Kent care home.

The designer and plantsman cut the ribbon to the green space at Oakland Care’s Maplewood Court, in Maidstone, announcing it was officially open.

Joe, who is best known for his appearances on BBC Gardeners’ World, said: “I am very proud to open this garden. It is a beautiful space with winding paths to allow residents to explore all of the different areas.

“Wildlife will really be able to flourish in this garden because of the elements of water, food and shelter that have been built into its design.”

The Chelsea Flower Show presenter spent the afternoon chatting with residents and families and held a gardening Q&A and a bulb-planting workshop.

The garden has been transformed from a bare piece of land at the care home in Northumberland Road into a wildlife-friendly space with the help of Kent Wildlife Trust and grant funding from Low Carbon Kent – a network of businesses tackling climate change.

Residents have also given their thoughts on the design and contributed plants from their family gardens.

Home manager Joanna Mazza added: “This garden is not just a wildlife haven, it is a space where residents can continue their love of gardening, they can use it as a space for exercise, for bird-watching or as inspiration for art, or just somewhere to sit and enjoy the plants.

“We all know the benefits of being outside in nature and to have this right outside our door is wonderful. It is an area that will only get better and offer our residents and their families more as it grows.”

The garden is also open to children from schools to use for nature projects.