Page 38 - ALG Issue 4 2024

NORTH WEST
EARTH
STEWARDS
at Tatton Park
St Peter’s School Earth Stewards have just completed their second year of completing challenges. After a very successful first year, achieving a 5-star gold award from RHS, we wondered what to do next. We decided to apply for a plot at the RHS Tatton Park flower show and we were amazed when we got a place.That’s when the nerves and hard work started.We planned what we were going to do with the theme ‘grey to green’.
We found an old sand pit and some pallets and decided that they could become a planter.With a few drawings, we enlisted some DIY skills, and our planter was built.We soon realised that was the easy part!
We wanted a wildflower meadow look and set to work planting seeds
and putting them into our greenhouse. Disaster struck! Arriving at school, the greenhouse had blown over and the soil and seeds were scattered on the ground. Instead of sweeping it all up and putting it in the bin we scooped up what we could, put it directly into the planter and crossed our fingers.
With the children’s vigilant checking and watering daily, the seeds soon began to grow and grow and grow.We lost a few to the slugs but that was ok; we have to look after the wildlife.We were also very lucky when a local company agreed to make our tree free of charge.The tree was an important part of the design as
it represented our school mustard seed vision.
After we had installed the display at Tatton Park, the children got to go and
visit and had a wonderful day looking at all the plants and even getting to see some rather large creatures during the zoo display.
Watching the children’s surprise each time they spotted something new was just a joyful experience and will hopefully inspire them to continue growing in the future.
The container has now returned to school and can be viewed daily and will hopefully continue to grow year on year.
I am super proud of the children for their commitment each and every day and the planter showed how much time and effort they put into it.
Rachael Hill
St Peter’s School,Ashton
38 | Issue 4 2024 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener