Gardeners’ World star gets competition going with Shropshire visit
Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill visited Shropshire to meet the reigning Young School Gardener of the Year and launch this year's competition.
Green-fingered Ellie Micklewright, 16, started the gardening club at Newport Girls’ High School, inspiring an army of 40 students and staff to transform the school grounds.
As well as researching, planning and designing the garden Ellie also secured funding from local businesses to help create wildlife habitats, a sensory zone and an orchard.
This year, Ellie and the gardening club have been adding to the school garden by creating a willow dome in the relaxation area and are also planning a pond.
And to mark the start of 2019's competition, Ellie had a visit from Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill.
Alana Cama, skills development manager for the Royal Horticultural Society, said: “The competition highlights what a difference gardening can make to young people’s lives – whether it’s improving their health and mental wellbeing, enriching curriculum learning or opening their eyes to a love of gardening that will stay with them as they grow older.
"I can’t wait to hear the inspirational stories behind this year’s nominees.”
Schools can enter their nominees at schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/Competitions/school-gardeners-of-the-year
Applications will close at 5pm on April 24. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce a short video in support of their entry which is used by the judging panel to pick the winners. The winners will be announced in June.
Prizes include a greenhouse worth £10,000, gift vouchers and tickets to flower shows.
