CALLIOPE YOUR LIFE: WINNERS

Geraniums are a cheerful addition to any garden – and we celebrated the most creative, colourful displays in this category, judged by the experts, our sponsor Calliope.

Our public vote winner was Holywell Primary School, which gets £500 plus 100 Calliope geraniums for its wonderful display, called How Does Your Garden Grow?

But the standard was so high, Calliope handed out another £500 and 100 geraniums to St Alban’s C of E Primary, runner-up for its inventive Grow Bags entry.

Neil Fishlock from Calliope said: “Everyone made such an effort, growing plants in different ways to create colour and clearly having fun in the process.”

How Does Your Garden Grow? was created by children aged four and five at Holywell Primary in Rubery, Birmingham. Youngsters potted all the plug plants and carefully tended to them as they grew.

They helped collect all the wellies, watering cans and plant pots used for growing. And every pupil was given the chance to draw the faces of the lifesize scarecrow students. As well as being uplifting, the bright display reminds them of the new words they learned while gardening. St Alban’s C of E in Havant, Hants, was shortlisted in Cultivation Street last year so decided to give it another try.

Youngsters had overwintered plants from last year in a mini-growhouse and, despite a setback when building contractors moved plants and accidentally left them outside, they created a stunning display.

Older pupils came up with the idea of using unwanted handbags as containers, staff and volunteers raided their cupboards, and local charity shops donated bags.

The builders agreed to replace the battered geraniums and some healthy ones were purchased. Since then, plants have been looked after by break-time waterers and even the poorly ones are making a recovery.

JUDGES’ VERDICT

We loved Holywell’s display because it brings a smile to the faces of everyone who passes it. We’re thrilled to have them as winners. But Grow Bags – cleverly utilising old handbags in a great bit of upcycling – also made a terrific display. Their geraniums were simply superb.