Keep Scotland Beautiful Schools ‘Pocket Gardens’ open with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme for the first time
This June, five school finalists of the Keep Scotland Beautiful Pocket Garden annual competition are joining in with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme to share their designs with visitors to raise money and awareness for their chosen causes.
For the first time ever, Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is welcoming five open ‘Pocket Gardens’ designed by schools across Scotland, to take part in the gardens open for charity initiative. These tiny, 1 metre square mini-plots of fresh flowers, plants and unique decorations have been created by pupils for the annual Pocket Garden Design Competition, hosted by environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful. The competition links garden design, sustainability and heritage and aims to encourage young people to explore garden design solutions to solve issues important to them. It also encourages them to build sustainable habits and share the joy of gardening in their own schools, designing the garden then bringing it to life and displaying in their school or community.
From 13 to 21 June, five participating schools will display their Pocket Gardens and visitors are invited to take this opportunity to visit these gardens and contribute to a variety of good causes chosen by pupils.
“Schools met that design challenge with fabulous style, imagination, and humour. I’d really encourage you to go and see how young people transformed their designs into real gardens - you might be able to pick up some innovative sustainable gardening ideas.” - Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful
“We’re excited to have the chance to collaborate with Keep Scotland Beautiful to give participating pupils the chance to celebrate their achievements with a Scotland’s Gardens Scheme audience. Children and young people are the future of gardening and the environment and it’s truly uplifting to see such a creative response to environmental challenges, and to combine that opportunity with philanthropy and fundraising.” Liz Stewart, Chief Executive of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme
Explore Open Pocket Gardens here
This year, five schools have chosen to open their mini garden to the public for charity but you can see all participating schools’s designs – and vote for your favourites – on the Pocket Gardens showcase here.
About KSB's Pocket Gardens
To create Pocket Gardens, students work together to design layouts that feature local plants and other natural materials such as twigs, leaves, or sand. This helps young people to think about how their choices can affect the environment and motivates them to connect with nature in their local community. Hands-on activities benefit students because it teaches them how to work well with others and educates them on topics such as biodiversity and recycling. By including pocket gardens as a part of the schools’ curriculum, students receive a well-rounded education that instills humanitarian and environmental values. They can recognize the necessity of maintaining their community’s welfare at a younger age and work towards building a bright and promising future.
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme’s first ever collaboration with Keep Scotland Beautiful broadens our reach in new and exciting ways, as it helps to generate new interest in gardening and its benefits by creating a shared space for garden owners and schools. The funds raised from openings will support educational curriculums, school gardens, and a humanitarian aid organisation. Each of these causes were chosen by the participating schools to represent values that are important to their communities. Fun activities and refreshments will make your visit a memorable experience.
