Irish Sunday Mirror

Putting our children at the centre

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We are celebratin­g the incredible staff who inspire gardeners as part of our brilliant competitio­n.

Lisa Bond, 34, is among those vying to be our Cultivatio­n Street ambassador of the year.

Lisa, from Poundbury Gardens garden centre in Dorset, said: “I work with the community, sharing skills, knowledge and passion to encourage a new generation of gardeners.

“It is at the heart of what we do at Poundbury Gardens and we take great pleasure in our regular visits from

Damers First School, when the children come in to learn about plants. We also donate compost and plants to the school so they can put into practice what they learn with us and enjoy the satisfacti­on of watching seeds develop into plants.

“Gardening can have a hugely positive impact on mental health and this has led to another community initiative. A local GP surgery has secured an allotment for their patients to help reduce isolation, so this year, we will be making regular donations and offering advice. I don’t have a garden at home but I transforme­d my bay window into a greenhouse space and have a plot on an allotment. Limited space can feel like a restrictio­n but with a bit of

creativity anyone can create a small growing space.”

We have £20,500 as prizes in our Cultivatio­n Street competitio­n, sponsored by Calliope Flowers. Ambassador of the year wins £1,000, second prize wins £500 , third, £300, and 12 runners-up each receive £100.

If you are involved in a school or community gardening scheme, find details on categories at cultivatio­nstreet.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 ??  ?? BUDDING STARS Lisa teaching schoolchil­dren
BUDDING STARS Lisa teaching schoolchil­dren
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