Posted on 1 November 2010
Pupils of Ysgol Rhiw Bechan
Green-fingered children from Ysgol Rhiw Bechan in Tregynon were given the chance to show their gardening skills recently when they helped to plant 20,000 bulbs at the University of Wales Gregynog Hall.
Gregynog Hall estate manager, Steve Griffiths and his team of gardeners were joined by the children for the day, who aided in the restoration of the Hall’s Grade 1 listed gardens in preparation for a floral display, which is to be held next spring and summer.
The bulbs include daffodils, tulips and traditional Welsh varieties, with red, green and white arrangements. The planting programme also includes 400 English roses from David Austin Roses of Albrighton, which will be planted between the fingers of the yew hedge and in a restored oval shaped bed on the croquet lawn.
Pupils of Ysgol Rhiw Bechan, from years five and six, assisted Mr Griffiths and Michael Murray- an expert from David Austin Roses - with the design of the rose beds. Pupils from years three and four embarked on another project to design dragon trails as well as a play area.
Alun Thomas, Head teacher of Ysgol Rhiw Bechan, said:
“They are very exciting projects and the children are getting an awful lot out of them. It’s learning at its most enjoyable.
“Believing that they are going to make a difference to the gardens at Gregynog is something very special for them. Hopefully they will have a connection with Gregynog through these projects that will last a lifetime.”
The restoration of the gardens was made possible by the discovery of old documents and plans that revealed where the original rose beds were situated.
Earlier this year, two episodes of Gardeners' Question Time were broadcast by BBC Radio 4 from Gregynog Hall.
Before the First World War, 26 gardeners worked at Gregynog. The gardens were recently described by CADW as ‘one of the most important gardens and parks in Powys, dating from at least 1500’.
Director of Gregynog Hall, Karen Armstrong, said:
“It’s lovely to involve children from the village primary school in this major planting project. Gregynog Hall is already a stunningly beautiful place to visit but it has potential to be one of the finest gardens and arboretums in Wales.”
/Ends
Notes to Editors:
For more information about Gregynog Hall and:
www.gregynog.wales.ac.uk or the University of Wales
www.wales.ac.uk For more information please contact either Karen Armstrong, Director Gregynog Hall, on 01686 650224 or for Press and Media information Tom Barrett, Communications Officer, University of Wales:
t.barrett@wales.ac.uk