Hot on the heels of our Eco-Schools Green Flag award success, the School’s Gardening Club was delighted to earn a Level 3 Award from the RHS.

Last year, a team of Upper School girls, led by Miss Vickery, our Head of Netball and a keen green thumb, set up the Gardening Club at School. Unfortunately the move to on-line learning meant a halt in progress. Nevertheless the Club still managed to plan their crop and plant seedlings in the greenhouse.

In order to achieve Level 3, the Gardening Club had to submit evidence against an RHS checklist, including demonstrating a commitment to re-using materials as much as possible, an understanding of compost and providing home and habitats in a wildlife space.

After a lengthy period away from School, the Gardening Club came together in a memorable moment to gather their first potato yield. The girls chitted the potatoes in January before lockdown and were delighted with their crop. Honor, a member of the Gardening Club, said: “It’s so amazing that we grew these potatoes ourselves!” The girls agreed to divide their crop evenly and cook them together.

In recognition of the Award, the girls have also received a Rocket Gardens voucher. This means that the girls will be sent some plants each term which will help the Club get up and running in full this year.

Commenting on their plans for the future, Miss Vickery said: “Achieving this Award is great news, but this is really our starting point. My aim is for us to apply for Level 4 in the summer, by which time we’d be growing and selling plants to generate the funds to develop the garden next year.”

We can’t wait to see the fruits of their labour!