The Gardens Group planted a Cornishgold Pear Tree at Damers First School in Poundbury, to commemorate Poundbury Gardens’ 20th anniversary.

This was the first of 20 trees set to be donated to local schools, charities and not for profit organisations over the course of the year, as the garden centre marks 20 years of business at the heart of the Poundbury community, all under the same management.

The heritage regional pear tree was selected by the team at Poundbury Gardens, which is located on Queen Mother Square, and planted in Damers First School’s garden with the help of some of the school’s pupils. The tree planting would have also not been possible if the school hadn’t been supported by local company C G Fry & Son who helped to prepare the ground before the planting took place.

Jon Nash, manager of Poundbury Gardens, who has been at the garden centre since it first opened, explains: “We have worked closely with the teachers and pupils at Damers First School for many years, to help bring a number of their gardening and environmental initiatives to life. We wanted to acknowledge all their efforts to inspire the next generation of environmentally friendly gardeners, with the planting of this Cornishgold Pear Tree. We hope the students and teachers enjoy watching it grow, as they continue to keep gardening and wildlife at the heart of school life.”

Louise Greenham, head of Damers First School, adds: “Planting a tree with our pupils serves as a powerful reminder that small actions can grow into something lasting and meaningful – a perfect example of what makes a strong community. The tree symbolises not only our environmental commitments through our school Eco Team, but also the deep roots the garden centre has established in the local community.

"Poundbury Gardens has helped to create a welcoming environment for our pupils by providing plants and planters for our school since we opened in 2017. We are very proud to be part of this milestone celebration and look forward to watching both the tree and our partnership continue to flourish." 

Poundbury Gardens is inviting local schools, charities and not-for-profit organisations to apply for one of the 20 commemorative trees. The deadline for application is Friday 6 March, and the successful causes will be announced later that month.