Renfrewshire schools shortlisted in Pocket Garden contest

Newmains Primary, in Renfrew, and Ralston Primary, in Paisley, are among 42 schools to be shortlisted in this year’s Pocket Garden Design competition.

The contest, run by Keep Scotland Beautiful, saw pupils across the country being encouraged to develop designs for a garden reflecting the interlinked themes of A Garden of Celebration, One Planet Picnic and Wildlife Gardening.

This year’s finalists have now been invited to build and grow their garden at school before filming or photographing it to be displayed as part of an online interactive showcase garden which will be made available to the public this summer.

Newmains Primary’s design is all about birthdays, with a round planter for a cake, filled with colourful flower sprinkles and tall flowers for candles.

There are also tatties for chips, as well as strawberries and rhubarb to be grown for birthday treats.

A Pinata will be made out of a hanging basket filled with trailing lobelia.

Meanwhile, pupils at Ralston Primary have chosen to go with a bug hotel model designed to grow scented herbs.

Old roof slates will be repurposed to make plant labels, while a bird bath will provide water for wildlife.

Many different vegetables such as chard, radish and mustard will be grown mixed together with flowers to attract pollinators.

Eve Keepax, education and learning officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “This year’s new theme of ‘A Garden of Celebration’ has opened the door to an outpouring of ideas of what children want to celebrate and what they value. It is a reminder in difficult times that we still have many reasons to celebrate. 

“It’s even better when the way that the Pocket Gardens are created will be helpful for local wildlife and provide a bite to eat for people too.

“Well done to everyone that entered the competition, and we hope that all schools decide to bring their designs to life. I’m already looking forward to seeing the transformations from design to real garden.”

The online showcase will be open from June 7 to June 19 for people to visit and place their vote for the nation’s favourite Pocket Garden.

For more information, visit www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/pocketgarden.