Let’s Help Schools Go Greener

Are you passionate about encouraging children to understand the benefits of gardening, growing food, and protecting wildlife? 

 

Guildford in Bloom have been holding an annual School Competition for many years, designed for children to learn about gardening in a fun and creative way.  We are genuinely amazed by the ideas and application that children can bring to gardening, from nursery level up to teenagers, and the general enthusiasm for the competition from staff, parents, and pupils.

 

Our competition is free to enter and open to all schools in the Borough of Guildford.  Our theme for 2024 is Wild about a Greener Guildford, with the aim of encouraging more wildlife to Guildford’s gardens such as plants that attract pollinators.  We are looking for imaginatively themed gardens that reflect at least 5 things of the following 10 items that proactively promote the wellbeing of wildlife. 

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

• Bug Hotel or log pile

• Bee B&B

• Water Source for birds and wildlife – making sure it includes stones so insects can climb out

• Growing your own food – lettuce, radish, carrots, etc

• Bird Feeder

• Bird House

• Hedgehog house

• Composting

• Wildflower area

We will also be looking for a plastic free environment unless the plastic item is being recycled i.e. milk bottles used as planters, plastic cloches, poly tunnels, etc.  Additional points are given for Peat Free Gardens.
 

We hope our theme can inspire the colours in your school garden, and encourage children to have fun designing, planting, looking after gardens, whilst saying hello to all the wildlife.
 

School Judging Criteria

• Children’s involvement in the design, planting, and looking after the garden

• Well-planned layout relative to available space

• Inclusion of plants that attract nature and wildlife

• Environmentally friendly habitats, including upcycling/recycling materials

• Overall impression of the garden in relation to our theme – Wild about a Greener Guildford

 

School Competition Awards

Overall Winner - Trophy, plus £100 prize

Best Vegetable Growers - Trophy, plus £50 prize

Most Improved Garden - Trophy, plus £50 prize

Best 1st Time Entry - Trophy, plus £50 prize

 

​Guildford Schools in Bloom is sponsored by Edwins Garden Centre​​