Shrewsbury’s new specialist plants centre, Love Plants, is helping pupils of Bicton Primary School in Shrewsbury to learn how things grow.  

Love Plants, which is located at caravan dealership Salop Leisure, in Shrewsbury, has donated £300 worth of vegetable plants, scented plants, perennials, grasses and bamboo to help the school establish a sensory garden and raised vegetable beds.

Redevelopment

Natalie Johnson, deputy headteacher at Bicton Primary School, explained that an area of land at the school was being redeveloped to create a sensory garden, raised vegetable beds, dipping ponds for wildlife and a chicken run.  Parents have donated a polytunnel and the children are making a greenhouse using plastic bottles.  

Outdoor Classroom

“We want to use the sensory garden as an outdoor classroom and an area where children can go for some quiet time,” explained Natalie. “The sensory garden will include seating areas surrounded by scented plants, grasses and perennials.  

“We are also creating raised beds so that we can grow vegetables to use in our kitchen. We are very grateful for the support of Love Plants and we are asking parents to come to the school on June 15 and 16 to help with the garden and raised beds.”  

Supporting the School

Mark Bebb, managing director of Love Plants and Salop Leisure, said he was happy to support the school to encourage the children to take an interest in gardening.  

“We believe it’s very important that children have an understanding of where the food they eat comes from,” he explained. “Hopefully, the school garden will expand children’s knowledge and encourage them to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers at home.”  

Champaign For School Gardening

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has launched a Campaign for School Gardening, which aims to encourage and support schools to develop and actively use a school garden. 

A new RHS report states school gardening boosts child development, teaches life skills and makes kids healthier and happier.

Love Plants

Love Plants was opened in April by award-winning gardener and landscape designer Chris Beardshaw who praised the passion, expertise and quality plants available at a the centre.

The £500,000 centre, which employs nine staff, has been developed in association with Dingle Nurseries and Derwen Garden Centre in Guilsfield, near Welshpool and all plants are sourced and selected by their experienced staff.

For more information on Shrewsbury’s specialist plants centre, Love Plants, please call 01743 282434