Our first project was at Fosse Way Academy, where we successfully planted 3,000 bulbs.
To do this we picked a piece of land than needed some care and attention. Then we accurately measured the land to help us plan our idea!
Because the space was under tree cover, we wanted to pick some plants that were suitable for woodlands; English bluebells, Snowdrops and Wood Anemones.
We knew these bulbs would provide flowers up to May, but we wanted longer blooms. So, we also picked Red Campion, Bellflowers and Betany seeds, which will continue to flower into October.
We presented our idea to the Headteacher, Mr Cowling, who was delighted with our proposal. He also said, “the school were unsure what to do with that piece of land”.
We carried out the work during our half-term holiday.
The first thing we did was to cutback some of the low-level branches. This would increase the natural light throughout the space, to help the new bulbs and flowers grow.
Then we got to work sorting the bulbs into bags, so we had the right number of bulbs to spread across the area, and then we planted the bulbs and seeds.
As a bonus for the school, we also cleaned the little reading hut of fallen leaves.
Now we are patiently waiting for the bulbs and wild flowers to pop up from February, when we’ll also return to plant some lavender. In the spring, we will also be donating 20 strawberry plants for the schools gardening club. We are so delighted to have partnered with Fosse Way Academy for our first project.
— E. Best (aged 10)