Young School Gardeners Celebrate Bloom Awards

Published on: 29 Jun, 2016
Updated on: 28 Jun, 2016

By Drew Lernihan

Talented young gardeners celebrated their achievements at the Guildford in the Bloom’s School Awards.

Some of the winners in Guildford In Bloom School's Awards 2016.

Some of the winners in the Guildford In Bloom School Awards 2016.

One of the schools taking part, Shalford Pre-school, took the spot for the overall winner, earning pupils a gold certificate and £20 worth of National Gardening vouchers.

The judges commented on their effective use of the area, and said: “Shalford Pre-School have shown excellent use of all plantable areas within the play area. They have created a small boarder of buddleia and beautiful hand-made nectar buds with a sugar solution that are hanging from the trees to feed butterflies. Numerous illustrations of The Very Hungry Caterpillar story are hanging on fences, and recycled containers, green bottles, socks, tights and tyres have been used in creative, innovative ways.”

Another winner, Lanesborough Prep-school, produced a wonderful display of characters from Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile including the roly poly bird.

They even used leeks to represent the crocodiles skin, while other schools such as the Jigsaw School and Worplesdon Pre-school made some very charming “very hungry caterpillars” using grass to represent their feelers, flowers for the eyes and even adding some Wellington boots for their feet.

The leader of Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Paul Spooner, explained the benefits of the competition and what it does for the borough. He said: “Guildford in Bloom is a great way for children to get together, learn about nature, and try their hand at gardening. It’s wonderful to see so many local schools participating this year.”

The awards were presented by the Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson; and Cllr Paul Spooner. The ceremony took place at the Clandon Park Garden Centre with more than 25 children from eight different schools attending.

The winners for gold were Lanesborough Pre-Prep School, Worplesdon Pre-School, Shalford Pre-School, Jigsaw School, Weyfield Primary Academy School, and Guildford Children’s Centre (York Road); with Guildford Children’s Centre (Hazel Avenue), and Guildford Montessori Nursery School taking silver-gilt.

Guildford In Bloom is hosted by the borough council and brings people together to make the town and surrounding areas look their best and champion Guildford’s natural environment.