What could be more important than teaching our children the enjoyment, fun and benefits of gardening?
During the Society’s 125th Anniversary year, in 2009, we reinvigorated links with Stoke Poges School, Fulmer Infant School and Wexham Court Primary, in the three parishes that the society encompasses.
All three junior schools have excellent gardens which provide pupils with the opportunity to grow, cook and even eat their own fresh vegetables and fruit.
Each year the schools compete for the Schools Cup and judging criteria is agreed. In recent years each school has grown sunflowers to see who can grow the tallest and they have also been challenged to plant a recycled container. A topical theme for their gardens is chosen each year and for example the theme for 2016 was ‘A Celebration of the Queen’s 90th Birthday. Judging is carried out by members of the committee who inspect the gardens and the produce which has been displayed. Examples of the children’s work and produce is proudly displayed at the Annual Show.
Teachers have commented that holding classes in many other subjects outside in the garden has proved to be a great success.
The Society is keen to develop this initiative to ensure that pupils have experience of horticulture and gardening and develop a love of plants thus filling a gap in the National Curriculum. We are grateful to the teachers and parents for their support in promoting our links with the schools and the community at large.
Slide show follows.