A boat load of fun: Young gardeners get to work for Pennine in Bloom

Young gardeners have a boat load of fun for Pennine in Bloom

Young budding gardeners have been hard at work in Littleborough as part of this year’s Pennine in Bloom challenge.

Pupils from various primary schools in the area took part in the exciting challenge to contribute to the beautification of two boats situated on Canal Street, close to the centre of Littleborough.

The competition comprised three key tasks: selecting plants from a list of ten options, designing a simple outline for planting and grouping the flowers by colour, and naming the boat.

Primary schools from Littleborough, Smithy Bridge, and Wardle were invited to participate, including Smithy Bridge Primary School, Littleborough Community Primary School, Stansfield Hall Primary School, Holy Trinity Primary School, St Mary’s R.C. Primary School, St James C of E Primary School, and St Andrew’s C of E Primary School.

The standard of entries was exceptionally high, presenting a tough challenge for the judges in selecting the overall winners for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

The judging panel comprised nine Pennine in Bloom volunteers, including Gracie Clegg, a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer from Wardle Academy.

This competition not only showcased the creativity and gardening skills of the young participants but also contributed to the community’s beautification efforts.

Frankie Fisher with ‘Powers to the Flowers’ from Smithy Bridge Primary School won the first prize for Key Stage Two and Edith Pryce from Littleborough Primary won the first prize for Key Stage One with her entry, 'Flora'.

Ray Smith, Chairman for Pennine in Bloom said he was thrilled by the engagement from the local school children and the high standard of all the entries.

He added: “Pennine in Bloom is about using gardening to transform communities. When tending the areas many people walk past and comment how lovely they are and now we have local children also commenting and asking about the different plants which is great to raise awareness of the benefits of gardening for nature and people.”

The challenge was sponsored by Gordon Rigg Garden Centre, who provide plants to Pennine in Bloom.
 

Read more: Blooming marvellous: Primary school pupils spruce up Taylor ParkPublished: 20 June 2024