Royal Horticultural Society - RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2008

Whether you are a passionate amateur gardener or a seasoned professional, a dream may be that one day you will have the chance to be involved in a prestigious show garden at the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Well, this amazing opportunity has just become a reality for a group of young budding horticulturalists from Sawley Junior School, Nottingham, in association with the Show’s main sponsor Marshalls plc. And, if that is not incredible enough, Marshalls is also going to take them on a remarkable journey culminating at the Show where six lucky pupils will help with the final planting and get to play on the company’s stunning 2008 design, ‘The Marshalls Garden That Kids Really Want!’ (Kelly's design left)

This incredible news was announced recently at the school by BBC Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins, TV gardening personality Sven Wombwell and Marshalls’ in-house Show Garden designer for 2008, Ian Dexter. They also explained as part of this journey they would all have to look after some architectural grass needed for the actual Show garden and that Marshalls is going to create a new school garden, designed by Sven, with the input of pupils and staff.

This whole unique experience was made possible after Sawley took part in a Marshalls’ Chelsea Project Workshop held at schools throughout the UK last year. The Workshops fronted by Chris and Sven, engaged the children in the fascinating world of horticulture and taught them the basics of good landscape design. After listening keenly to the duo, the children were then given pencils, crayons and paper to draw their very own dream garden, leading to astounding results.

After all the sessions were completed and unbeknown to the children, Chris, Sven and Ian then reviewed all the fantastic handiwork against four criteria; enthusiasm, creativity, practicality and interestingly enough ideas that they had not thought of!

“The whole Marshalls Chelsea Project has been wonderful to do for both Sven and I,” commented Chris. “The enthusiasm, creativity and the fun we had at all the schools was incredible. I think we definitely ignited an interest for horticulture, design and the natural environment in the children we met. It was really great to see the kids embrace the subject and this clearly shows in the designs they produced.” (Sam's design, left above.)

Head Teacher Christine Turnbull was also delighted with the news: “This is really fantastic news not only for the children and the school, but for the parents and the community. I am so proud of all of them and the amazing work they did for the project. Then now to be told of our further involvement in Marshalls’ show garden and the trip to RHS Chelsea is brilliant. We are really looking forward to what is now ahead.”