The Northumbria in Bloom Schools' gardening scheme·
The “Growing Together" scheme was introduced by Northumbria in Bloom in 2010 to recognise and reward the excellent work many schools are doing to introduce young people to the lifelong pleasures and benefits of horticulture in all its forms. ·The scheme is generously supported by Cowells Garden Centre of Woolsington, Newcastle upon Tyne.
The results for 2011 were announced in June. There were 52 entries and the overall winner of the Land of the Prince Bishops Trophy was Windlestone School in Chilton. ·The Cowell's Garden Centre Trophy for horticultural excellence was won by Dunn Street Primary School in Jarrow. ·The Rod Leyburn Memorial Trophy was shared by Hexham Priory School and Oakdene Primary School in Billingham. ·For details go to the Results page.
The 2012 Growing Together scheme has been launched. ·The entry form is here. ·Thanks to the generosity of Cowell's Garden Centre, the entry fee has been reduced to £20. ·
For 25 years there was a Special Award for schools within the Northumbria in Bloom competition. A trophy, donated in memory of the late Rod Leyburn, was awarded each year to the school which gained the most points. Growing Together replaces the Rod Leyburn Special Award but his legacy continues in an award for the school with the highest points for the educational value of its horticultural work. The school with the most points overall receives the Land of the Prince Bishops trophy. ·
·The scheme covers the whole of the Northumbria in Bloom area - Northumberland, Durham, Newcastle, North & South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland, Middlesborough, Redcar & Cleveland, Hartlepool, Stockton and Darlington. It is open to all schools in the area, whether or not their local community enters the Northumbria in Bloom competition. Local Authorities are asked to inform schools in their area via their intranets or otherwise.
For schools getting started in using horticulture in the curriculum there's a lot of information and helpful resource on the Royal Horticultural Society's Campaign for School Gardening web pages. ·The RHS Campaign for School Gardening aims to encourage and support schools to create and actively use a school garden. Registration is free and gives access not only to a wealth of resources but to the benchmark scheme which provides a framework for the development of the garden and gardening activities. It also promotes the use of the garden for learning, wellbeing and personal development.
Judging for Growing Together is on a medal certificate basis - Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver and Bronze and the judging form is here.·
If you would like to spread the news about the scheme, you can download a flyer (front and inside)
Northumbria in Bloom is a registered charity which receives no direct government funding. If you would like to help by sponsoring the scheme to cover the costs involved or for more information contact David Goodchild
