Gardening activities of schools showcased
IN recognition of curriculum pressures in schools, Loughborough in Bloom has decided, rather than running a best school garden competition this year, to showcase gardening activities in schools that have expressed such an interest
First in the spotlight is Ashmount School, which includes gardening as an integral part of the multi-sensory offer that the school’s staff makes to students.
The school’s sensory garden is one of the highlights for many young people and is situated on raised beds so that anyone with limited mobility can obtain maximum benefit.
It is an ideal spot on fine days for students to receive one-to-one support and tuition.
Also in raised beds is the vegetable garden where students can see vegetables - grown from seed or very small plants - planted where possible by themselves, reach a size where they are ready for consumption.
This is a favourite with those youngsters who like getting their hands dirty.
The school site is landscaped in a way that gives a pleasing overall appearance, but also provides spaces where students can explore or be alone, as part of their learning experience.
Mike Jones, of Loughborough in Bloom, said while visiting the school: “It was a pleasure to see the way that the children respond to flowers and vegetables around the school site, and how dedicated staff weave gardening into the lessons.”
Ashmount’s head of primary, Claire Malpas, said: “We are extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to celebrate our sensory and vegetable gardens.
“The pupils in our school love exploring the grounds and many have become extremely involved with growing their own vegetables.”