Pupils create show garden for RHS Spring Festival

Primary school children have been creating a garden for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Malvern Spring Festival, which is three weeks away.

Charities, schools and local businesses are among those taking part in the event at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern from 8 May.

Pupils aged four to 11 at Norton Juxta Kempsey Primary School, Worcester, designed and created the plot for the school garden challenge.

Teacher Sarah Marshall said taking part helped their education: "It's the physical and mental wellbeing. It's also encouraging healthy eating habits because it's always good to eat what you've been growing, and it's just a positive fun experience for all the children."

She said it promoted learning about the environment and helped to develop motor skills.

One of the pupils, Amy, said gardening made her feel "energetic and happy".

"I really like getting my hands dirty, plus it also helps the environment," she said.

"If we take really bad care of it, we'll have no environment left when we're older and it will just become really polluted."

The garden includes a "sentry area" that looks like a teepee, scented species including lavender, a bug hotel, and a bench dedicated to a former teacher.

Exotic flowers have been included to "brighten up the garden", the children said.

Pupils grew plants from seeds and potted them on to be ready in time for the show.

The theme for the school garden challenge this year was "Around the World" and the children chose their home town because "they really like it" and Worcester is their favourite city.

They included its history, river and sights, including "iconic buildings, places and people".

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