We started fashion for flower names, say older people

As the 86th RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens this week, a survey of older people in care homes around the UK shows that the current celebrity trend for flower names,

such as Lily Allen and Daisy Lowe, was actually set some 80 years ago.

According to data collected by Bupa, the top 10 flower names of female residents in the company's care homes, whose average age is 84, include Daisy, Poppy, Rose and Lily.

These names are now coming back into fashion today - with all four making their way into the top 100 names for baby girls, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Bupa Care Homes conducted the flower survey as a part of its programme of activities for residents.

The company has also created its first garden at the Chelsea Flower Show this year (May 20-24), which has been designed to raise awareness of dementia and is a sensory garden, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Dr Graham Stokes, head of mental health at Bupa Care Homes said: "Over 250 of our care homes have a sensory garden, as we understand that the sights and smells of a garden provide stimulus for older people, including those with dementia, as well as a place of calm and sanctuary.

As a company, Bupa has decided to create a sensory garden at Chelsea to help raise awareness of the specialist needs of those with dementia.

We also hope that it will be a place that can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old." The Bupa Garden at Chelsea has been designed by award-winning, celebrity gardener Cleve West.

It was constructed with the help of five volunteers from Bupa Care Homes, who were selected because of their passion for gardening.

Once the flower show is over, The Bupa Garden will be replanted in one of the company's care homes so that it can be enjoyed by residents and their relatives for years to come.

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