Beith Primary School
10 Wee Green Fingers
🌿What was your favourite part of creating your garden?
Our favourite part was building it together. Working with classmates, adults and the community made it special. Swapping ideas, seeing other designs and problem solving let everyone shine in their own way. None of us had turned a paper design into something real before, so making paper, using tools and testing new methods felt freeing. It was hands on learning at its best. It felt like we had actually had brought something to life.
🌿Did you face any challenges and how did you respond to them?
Scottish weather was our biggest test. This year’s rain and cold slowed growth and stopped plants from flowering. We adapted by experimenting with force growing. Our design was also way too packed. Once we measured, we realised space was tight, so we researched companion planting to make every cm count. Building our first water filter was tricky too. We had to rethink joins and angles until the water flowed perfectly into the cup below.
🌿What did you learn whilst creating your garden?
We learned loads making this pocket garden: design, using tools, companion planting, force growing, how to clean water through filtering. Mistakes taught us the most. We learned the conditions that different plants and vegetables need to grow well, the habitats insects rely on and how the weather now shapes everything-food, growth, survival. Seasons aren’t what they were. In reclaiming this small space, we saw a bigger truth: climate change touches every living thing, starting right here.
🌿Did you have any links with your local community or a Pocket Garden mentor whilst creating your garden?
Our pocket garden thrives on links. School staff joined the build and gave plants, seeds, bulbs and pots. A local group crafted bird and bat boxes that we reused. Ryans Papa helped him build a mini poly tunnel: he and his mum foraged for materials for bunting. Pupils watered, guarded and repaired it in between playground knocks. A mentor advised on planting. Ryan, who designed it, turns 10 this year. For 10 years this event has inspired gardeners, for 10 years so has Ryan.
🌿What will happen to your garden after the competition has finished?
After judging, our garden stays on display for staff, pupils and all who use the playground. Ryan and pupils will harvest the veg and the edible flowers for the school kitchen, parents and pupils to cook with. Plants go home with families and the community for Summer growing. Ryan who designed it will help replant and reuse the mini poly tunnel and bunting. The bird and bat box will be reused for next year. For 10 years Ryan gardened; for 10 years this space will keep inspiring others to start.
🌿Is there anything else you would like to share?
It is impossible to measure the benefits, both physically and mentally, that this experience has brought to the children involved in this project. I believe that the elements of planning, teamwork, commitment and perseverance will be carried on into their future school years and beyond. The pupils quite literally, brought something to life and the pleasure they have taken from that achievement has been the best seed we could have planted.
🌿Garden design
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