Your countdown to Christmas flowers
How do I get amaryllis bulbs to flower in time for Christmas? Sheryl, by email DAVID: Plant at the end of September or early October in a pot just big enough to contain their roots. Leave the top third of the bulb uncovered and water thoroughly. Mimic winter by putting it in a dark spot for two weeks. When a shoot emerges, create an artificial spring by bringing into a bright, warm place. In six to eight weeks, it should flower.
Parents can rest easy. I’ve found a magic potion that can boost a child’s self-esteem, brain power, concentration levels and physical and mental health.
There really is such a thing. Only it’s not a magic potion – it’s gardening.
Recognising its value, schools are kick-starting gardening projects to teach children how to propagate plants, support wildlife, grow their own food and compost waste.
Every year, my Cultivation Street competition seeks to reward those having the biggest impact. This year, the three winners and four runners up are sharing £5,200 and 700 Calliope® geraniums from our main sponsor. FIRST PLACE: Hammersmith Academy, West London
Starting off with a single greenhouse and handful of raised beds in 2015, the team at Hammersmith have changed the face of their garden and increased engagement from 30 to 500 students.
It features an orchard planted by the children, large growing areas for produce and pollinator-friendly flowers. It even has a brood of chickens looked after by students.
Recycled materials have been turned into planters, while bug hotels and container ponds attract wildlife.
Patrick Kirwan, who heads up the project, said: “Our students run our school garden – this is their project. The garden is a conduit for teaching them about nature, promoting mental health and fostering community.”
JUDGES’ VERDICT Hammersmith Academy is a multicultural secondary that has transformed a neglected area into a productive garden.
Everything is tended by the pupils, many of whom are from deprived backgrounds and unable to garden at home. We loved how much the older students had ownership of the garden.
On learning they had won £2,500 and 100 Calliope® geraniums, teacher Harriet Silcocks said: “We are so delighted. It means we can extend the garden and get more students involved, boosting mental health and well-being. I’m absolutely thrilled.” SECOND PLACE: Damers First School, Dorchester, Dorset
This thriving garden was created in one year. The result of a cross-section of locals pulling together, it features a recycled plastic bottle greenhouse, hand-built food waste composter and allotment for growing produce for food technology classes.
The wild flower meadow, bird boxes, bug hotels and bird hide were all made by the children.
They have an on-site shepherd’s hut with a cooker where children can cook food straight from the bush.