Traditionally, each class spends one lesson a week getting their hands dirty in the school allotment, and much of the produce is used to prepare healthy school meals.
This year, pupils at The Elms have set themselves the challenge of increasing their harvest by four or five times. The extra plants will be sold at the Fair which takes place at the Hospice in Bartestree.
As a special tribute to their former teacher, Karen Edwards, children from the school’s Early Years department have been nurturing a variety of herbs. Karen was wonderfully cared for at St Michael’s in 2017, and the staff and pupils wanted to celebrate her love of cookery and the time she spent inspiring children through food.
Will Grant, Head of Rural Studies said, ‘We are longtime supporters of St Michael’s, and our connection grew much deeper after visiting Karen at the Hospice. We were overwhelmed by the amazing care and support her family was given.
‘Being part of the Plant Fair is a wonderful way to remember Karen, and it’s allowing all our children to give something back to the community.’
Gaynor Warren, Plant Fair Co-ordinator said, ‘St Michael’s would like to thank all the children and staff at The Elms School for supporting the Plant Fair. It’s exciting to hear about children nurturing all the plants, and I’m delighted to hear that the onions, garlic and brassicas are going to be highlights of the crop.’
As well as plants provided by The Elms and other local schools the Plant Fair will be a chance for visitors to browse and buy a wide range of herbaceous perennials, bedding plants, annuals, trees, shrubs and bulbs, among others, all grown by professional and amateur gardeners.
It will be open from 11am-5pm on both days and admission is free.
Light refreshments will be available on both days. Two-course lunches will be served between 12pm-2pm each day, with no booking necessary.
For more details visit st-michaels-hospice.org.uk or call Gaynor at St Michael’s on 01432 852 630.
