Park ELC

Strength and skills to put the posts in place

Preparing the ground, lifting turf

Weather proofing the frame

Using natural materials for the bug hotel

Trust, teamwork and tools

Laying the edging

Preparing the eggbox seed trays

Caring for the young plants

Planting out into the garden

This kale plant goes here

We're 'on tap' of the world with our rain catchers to collect rain water

'Bubble wrap' water flows into a pond where a solar fountain makes a splash

Lupins are great for the soil!

We used the turf as a cover for the hogilow-bug hotel

We will have a healthy herb harvest

From this space...

...to this!

🌿What was your favourite part of creating your garden?

The best part of making our pocket garden was seeing a forgotten space turn into a bright and cheerful little garden. It was exciting to watch it grow and fill with different colours, plants and tiny bits of life.

🌿What did you learn whilst creating your garden?

Making our pocket garden has helped us learn many important skills while having fun outdoors. We discovered how plants grow and what they need, such as sunlight, water and soil. Caring for our garden has taught us responsibility and patience as we waited for flowers and plants to grow. We also developed our creativity as we chose colours, plants and decorations, while learning about nature and the wildlife that may visit, such as bees and butterflies. Creating our pocket garden has encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

🌿Did you have any links with your local community or a Pocket Garden mentor whilst creating your garden?

We did contact a pocket garden mentor to ask about timings regards planting seeds and if they had any knowledge or experience using the hydroponic method of growing. We had a very helpful and lovely email returned to us.

🌿What will happen to your garden after the competition has finished?

We will continue to care for and develop our pocket garden and use it for group learning and activities. Our pocket garden has been made in a section of garden that doesn't have much in it and already the children are talking about extending it and making the whole garden area look as pretty as our pocket garden.

🌿Is there anything else you would like to share?

The children have been so invested and committed to building and caring for their pocket garden. Every day a number of different children approach me asking if they can help with the garden. I am so very proud of them all.