GREEN-FINGERED students in Pershore have taken inspiration from a musical adaptation of a classic fantasy novel as part of a gardening challenge at a major annual show.
A group of around 60 supported learning students from Pershore College created a special Narnia-themed entry for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival School Garden Challenge, while developing skills that will help them move into employment.
The theme for the challenge was music with students taking inspiration from Narnia The Musical, based on the classic novel – The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The four-metre squared plot included the iconic wardrobe door and other items inspired by the story, including the crown and throne of the White Witch, all surrounded by a variety of plants and flowers carefully selected by the students.
Plants and flowers were provided by Pershore College Garden Centre and Nursery which sponsored the garden.
Students spent months planning and were given just a week and a half to put together their display before the festival showcase. The students’ entry was recognised with a certificate of achievement.
Damion Keyte, lecturer at Pershore College, said: “All of the students worked incredibly hard to create this year’s entry.
“The students took ownership of the whole project, including working together to decide on a specific theme and creating an artist impression.
“The project linked with the curriculum, and the students learnt about environmental issues and the importance of using recycled materials.”
Taking part also provided the students with an opportunity to develop a variety of employability skills, including following a brief, meeting deadlines, considering the end customer and working collaboratively.
“They also developed some incredibly important workplace skills which will support them into employment.”
“The final garden was fantastic, and the event was very well attended by staff and students alike.”
“We received some fantastic feedback from the public, and all of the students thoroughly enjoyed taking part.”
“We look forward to taking part again next year,” added Damion.
Pershore College, part of college group WCG, have partaken in the festival for the past three years.
