A MINIATURE eco-friendly garden created by the pupils of Warrington’s Bruche Primary Academy delighted visitors to the RHS Flower Show Tatton – and inspired garden professionals to emulate their design.
The youngsters created the garden at Tatton Park near Knutsford especially for the five-day event, which closed on Sunday.
The innovative and environmentally-conscious design highlighted the school’s commitment to sustainability and creativity and also chimed with the event’s “Grey to Green” theme. The Bruche garden was one of several created by local schools at the show site.
The children created their little green oasis with the help of teaching assistant Kathryn Floyd, who also acts as the school garden coordinator.
“The garden is a testament to the creativity, hard work, and environmental stewardship of our young students,” said Kathryn.
Kathryn said that the garden had attracted praise from representatives of Sefton Park’s Palm House who, she said, were inspired by the design and wanted to use some of their ideas. They have extended an invitation to the children to visit the Palm House soon and discuss their ideas further.
She added: “The garden featured a beautifully constructed timber pergola, topped with planters containing an array of grasses. This pergola not only provided shade but also helped to capture rainwater and channel it to a water butt, ensuring that not a single precious resource went to waste.”
As a focal point the garden featured a metal dolly tub repurposed into a solar water feature, emphasising the importance of renewable energy source, along with a ‘bug hotel’ made from recycled timber and providing a safe haven for vital insect life.
Custom-made stepping stones – individually designed and crafted by a Bruche pupil – were another standout feature of the garden.
“Their project not only beautified the space but also served as an educational tool,” Kathryn added. “Throughout the project, students gained invaluable lessons in environmental science, teamwork, and problem-solving. They learned about the water cycle, the importance of biodiversity, and sustainable gardening practices. This project also fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the students, as they saw their ideas and efforts come to life in a tangible way.”
