The Gardens Group, which has three garden centres in Sherborne, Poundbury and Yeovil, is inviting children to build a scarecrow out of recycled items found in their homes and gardens, in order to watch over the growing number of fruit and vegetable patches popping up across the region. Designed to occupy, inspire and educate children who are currently off school, while demonstrating natural ways to protect crops, the environment and wildlife, this free Scarecrow Competition is open to all children across Dorset and Somerset.
Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group and chairman of the Garden Centre Association, explains: “During these uncertain times, our gardens have become a vital space for solace and sanctuary, while also providing educational opportunities for children. While our garden centres are closed to the general public, we want to respond to the nation’s enthusiasm for gardening and use this as an opportunity to demonstrate how our gardens can be part of the solution. By growing fruit and vegetables, creating wildlife havens and spending time with family outdoors, we can all reap the physical and mental benefits of being in contact with nature. We are certain that this Scarecrow Competition will see many innovative new characters cropping up across the region, while protecting any newly planted crops.”
Every entrant into this competition, who lives within 25 miles of one of the garden centres, will receive a free packet of seeds in the post and the first prize for each category is £20 worth of vouchers for The Gardens Group. The competition will be split into four age categories; 7 and under, 8 – 12, 13 – 16 and young at heart, with entries closing on Thursday 30 April. Details of how to enter the Scarecrow Competition can be found at www.thegardensgroup.co.uk.
Telephone orders for the garden centres and farm shop can be placed over the phone, and delivery is free within 25 miles.