Guildford in Bloom Schools 2023

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Huge congratulations to every school that took part in this year's competition.  We have had the most wonderful Awards event at Edwins Garden Centre at Clandon Park with the children (and adults!) enjoying potting plants and finding out all about bees with Guildford Beekeepers Association.

So much hard work had gone into the gardens by the teachers and children and hearing how knowledgeable the children are gives much hope for our future gardeners and wildlife protectors.

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Here's a reminder of this years  Theme – For King and Countryside

This year our theme, although centred around the Coronation of King Charles III which takes place on 6 May 2023 – just before the closing dates for our competitions, will embrace causes close to The King’s heart.

King Charles III has campaigned passionately throughout his time as Prince of Wales for wildlife and the countryside.  So this year we are rewarding gardens and allotments that have a number of elements to attract and protect bees, butterflies, bugs and other wildlife.

To qualify for a Themed Garden Award – and for the Schools in Bloom competition you can include any interpretation of the Coronation but must also include (5) of the following (10) features.

 

1. A Nectar Café – plants for bees, butterflies and other pollinators

2. Bug Hotel or log pile

3. Bee B&B

4. Bird Bath – making sure it includes stones so insects can climb out

5. Pond

6. Bird Feeder

7. Bird House

8. Hedgehog house

9. Be part of a Hedgehog Corridor

10. Wildflower area

We will also be looking for a plastic fee environment unless the plastic item is being recycled i.e. milk bottles used as planters.

 

To Help You

1. https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/best-plants-bees-and-pollinators

2. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/09/how-to-build-a-bug-hotel/

3. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/04/how-to-build-a-bee-hotel/

4. https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/activities/build-a-bird-bath/

5. https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/actions/how-create-mini-pond

6. https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/make-a-recycled-bird-feeder/

7. https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/activities/build-a-birdbox/

8. https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-build-hedgehog-home

9. https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/actions/how-create-hedgehog-hole

10. https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/wildflower-meadow-establishment

 

We also want to see examples classroom work incorporating Gardening.  Ideally a topic book with photos and details of the work the children have done.

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