GREEN-FINGERED pupils at a Solihull school proved they were a cut above the rest when they were crowned winners of a gardening competition.
Children from Yew Tree Primary School tied for first place in the My Perfect Garden competition held by Ambleside Bistro and Garden Centre in Earlswood which was open to schools across the borough.
The prize was presented to the children and their teacher Barbara Tomlinson by head judge Robert Elliot, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, and Alison Robinson, manager at Ambleside Garden Centre.
The prize included a selection of bedding plants, shrubs, berry bushes and compost, as well as gardening tools, gloves, kneeling pads and some garden ornaments. Each child was also presented with a personalised winners’ certificate.
Malak, aged 11, who formed part of the winning team said: “I am happy and overwhelmed that my team and I have won this competition. I am really proud that I was able to earn £200 for my amazing school and to show how keen I am at gardening.”
Yew Tree Primary is a recognised Eco School and runs regular Forest School sessions.
Children also take part in lunch time gardening activities with head teacher Rachael Russell.
In 2015 the school won Gold in Solihull in Bloom and in the same year took part in Gardeners World Live at the NEC as one of only four schools to help with a stand.
Robert Elliot said: “As part of my presidency of Solihull Chamber of Commerce I have committed to make it easier for schools and colleges to engage with business and vice versa.
“I was delighted to be asked to judge the entries and ultimately present the prize to Yew Tree School in Solihull. Ambleside Garden Centre has done a great job here and should be commended for their actions.”
