Norfolk primary school’s wellie-wall wins RHS Best School Garden and Gold Medal at the Royal Norfolk Show
Aldborough Primary School in North Norfolk won Best School Garden 2019 and an RHS Gold Medal for its garden at the Royal Norfolk Show. Up against stiff competition from much larger schools, both public and state, Aldborough’s wellie-inspired creation wowed the judges, who were all from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
One thing that the impressed the judges was that the garden was clearly created by a team effort from the whole school. As a Year 4 pupil said: “We wanted to show that we’re not just individuals – we are all one person, creating the garden for our school.”
The RHS says that school gardens are a huge part of their push to encourage young people to enjoy the benefits of gardening. There were eight school gardens at the Royal Norfolk Show, each measuring three metres by three metres. The garden designers were encouraged to consider wellbeing, tourism and volunteering – with a ‘rustic twist.’
The judges particularly loved the Aldborough garden’s key feature, a wellie-wall comprising recycled wellington boots which the children had planted up with a huge array of colourful flowers. Other features included a willow den, vegetable planter, friendship bench, wooden wind chimes and willow dragonflies – all made by the pupils, who had great fun showing the judges around their school garden.
The Countess of Wessex, who also came to look at the garden, praised the welly boot planters and commented on how bright and colourful they looked.
“The children came up with the ideas themselves,” says Head Teacher Alison Read. “Then they all collaborated together, taking on a variety of roles, to turn their vision into reality. I’m so proud of their achievement, and very grateful to the Royal Norfolk Show for the opportunity to showcase our children’s creativity. The RHS judges shared very positive comments with the children, as they were shown around our school garden rather enthusiastically!
“I would strongly encourage schools to enter next year – it was hard work but also terrific fun and an incredibly valuable learning experience.”
The picture shows children from Years 3, 5 and 6 with, in the background, Mrs Read (left) and teaching assistant Marion Colebrooke.
If you would like to contact Aldborough Primary School call the office (during school hours) on 01263 761264 or email: office@aldborough.norfolk.sch.uk. The school’s website is at www.aldborough.norfolk.sch.uk