GREEN-FINGERED horticulture students from Pershore College are adding the final touches to their sustainable garden ready for next month’s ‘Young Gardeners of the Year Awards’.
The Level 3 students are designing and building a garden which will be on display at the national competition from Friday, March 18 to Sunday, April 3 at the Ideal Home Show in London.
Since the launch of the competition in December, the students have been working hard to put together their design and have begun construction in a workshop at the college.
The awards – now in its sixth year – are organised by former Pershore College student and TV gardener David Domoney in association with the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community.
The competition sees six of the UK’s leading horticultural colleges go head-to-head to create a sustainable garden which will be visited by a quarter of a million visitors at the show.
Nick Russell, lead designer of the project said: “The garden is called ‘The Path to Discovery’ and many of the elements are inspired by the geometry in plants, which reveals the fascinating intricacy and mathematical ‘perfection’ of their form.
“Throughout the garden are representations of the recurring mathematical patterns found in nature. We believe the best way to revive and revitalise the enjoyment of plants is to excite and educate the younger generation about these hidden intricacies.”
Lecturer Carol Smith, who is supporting the students with the project said: “With just over a month to go the students are making really good progress. It’s a priceless experience for them, but it’s also a lot of hard work and commitment outside their normal college work.
“They are learning so much and it’s an amazing opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent to both industry experts and visitors to the Ideal Home Show.”
