School gardening scheme blossoms

THE Simply Gardening For Schools social enterprise has proved a success in allowing North Lincolnshire youngsters to learn outside the classroom through horticulture.

As reported, the project was launched earlier this year and a specially-built garden called A World Beyond The Classroom scooped two awards at the prestigious Gardeners' World Live show.

It was then reassembled at Leys Farm Junior School, in Bottesford, for use by pupils and staff.

Simply Gardening For Schools managing director, John Cavill, said: "There is all sorts of winter vegetables in there.

"All of the veg they grow in there, they eat in the kitchen.

"They are fully committed to the horticulture they do.

"It has obviously worked and the kids know exactly what they are doing, which is brilliant."

Mr Cavill said he had also designed several other gardens for educational use.

These include facilities at the Rainbow Kindergartens in Brigg and Barton-Upon-Humber, as well as an African garden, which is in the pipeline for a school on the Isle of Axholme.

A specially-designed garden at Bottesford Infants School was officially opened on December 16.

Leys Farm headteacher, Ewart Gibbs, said the school had benefited greatly from the garden after it was installed in June.

He said: "We have been involved with gardening and growing for some time and the garden has put the icing on the cake.

"It is a real asset to the school and all of the parents and visitors are really impressed with it."

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