Through its 'Ready Steady Dig' initiative, Bents Garden & Home is trying hard to attract young people at primary school age in the hope of encouraging a life-long love of gardening.
Recent research from the Horticultural Trade Association suggests that gardening is attracting fewer and fewer younger followers, raising the question as to who will be our gardeners of the future.
“In the late nineties and early noughties there was the ‘Groundforce effect’. The popular BBC programme definitely had a positive effect on gardening, demonstrating what people could achieve and encouraging more young people to take it up as a hobby," said Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents.
“These people are still gardening, but the HTA raises the question as to what is being done to encourage today’s younger generation to get involved. At Bents we are aiming even younger, trying to introduce primary school children to the joys of gardening in the hope they will continue to enjoy it as they grow up and become the gardeners of tomorrow.”
Bents’ Ready Steady Dig scheme is aimed at children in years 1-7 of primary school and includes a guided tour around Weeping Ash Garden, located just next to the centre, where children learn about the different types of plants found in the garden. The tour is followed by fun, hands on activities with planting workshops designed to get little hands dirty.
Says Matthew: “The tour and workshops are a great way to introduce children to the joys of gardening and we hope they leave with ideas for their own gardens and enjoy enhancing their environment as they grow up. “
With gardening set to become a feature on the new school curriculum Bents is hoping its Ready Steady Dig programme, as well as other child friendly features including Inspiring Children to Do Workshops, outdoor adventure play area and Wild Wings Birds of Prey Centre, will encourage more and more children to enjoy the great outdoors and become enthused by possibilities that gardening can bring.
Groups of up to 30 children can be accommodated on the Ready Steady Dig workshops and bookings can be made by calling 01942 266 300.
