Emma shares this latest news from the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Ed
Green-fingered students from St George’s School, Newport, have reaped the benefits of their hard work by planting a number of sunflowers in the gardens at Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
The sixth-form horticultural students grew the plants from seed and brought the fantastic results to the Hospice, so that they could be enjoyed by everyone visiting its gardens.
The seeds had been given to the school by one of the Hospice’s volunteer gardeners, Sue Clerkin, who along with fellow volunteer gardener Bob Durrant, mucked in to help three students, Luke, Daniel and Josh, when they visited the Hospice to plant the sunflowers.
From little seeds
Daniel, 16, explained how the plants grew quickly from being seeds:
“We put compost in first and then put the seeds in the pot, with water. Now it’s really big!”
Meanwhile, Luke, 18, also said he had learned a great deal during his lessons:
“We’ve been digging all the weeds up and watering the plants. I enjoy all the things I learn; we put the seeds in the hole and then cover them over.”
And Josh, 19, said he didn’t mind the hard work involved:
“We’ve learned lots about different plants, and watering and digging. Lots of hard work! I like helping to grow stuff, it’s good fun.”
Puts all of their learning into context
Coral Leach, a teacher at St George’s, said:
“Every student in the school planted a sunflower seed in a huge polytunnel, which is new for the school this year, and these students wanted to give something back.
“It’s just wonderful as it puts all of their learning into context and they are seeing what a difference they are making to peoples’ lives. I think they get a real sense of being part of the community, and they see the work they’ve done in a very visual way.”
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The students have done really well
Volunteer gardener Sue said:
“The students have done really well and the sunflowers, which are of course our hospice emblem, look fantastic.
“We’re very grateful to them for returning our seeds in full bloom for everyone to enjoy!”
Images: © Stephanie Mackrill
