School designs grew on judges

Pupils from Renfrewshire have shown imagination and creativity by winning the eighth annual Pocket Garden Design Competition, inspired by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Secondary, primary and nursery pupils were once again invited to design a colourful and sustainable garden reflecting the interlinked themes of A Garden of Celebration, One Planet Picnic and Wildlife Gardening.

The 2023 Pocket Garden Design Competition, run in partnership with Garden for Life Forum, attracted almost 200 entrants from budding garden designers from schools across 28 local authority areas in Scotland.

A total of 42 designs were selected as winners this year, including those from Newmains Primary and Ralston Primary.

The schools have now been invited to build and grow their garden before filming or photographing it to be displayed as part of an online interactive showcase garden which will be made available to the public to visit in June.

Eve Keepax, education and learning officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “This year’s theme of A Garden of Celebration has opened the door to an outpouring of ideas of what children want to celebrate and what they value. It is a reminder in difficult times that we still have many reasons to celebrate.

“It’s even better when the way that the Pocket Gardens are created will be helpful for local wildlife and provide a bite to eat for people too.

“Well done to everyone that entered the competition, and we hope that all schools decide to bring their designs to life.

“I’m already looking forward to seeing the transformations from design to real garden.”