Children across Cornwall have been getting their hands dirty and discovering the joy of gardening as part of a campaign celebrating nature, learning and the next generation of gardeners.
Children across Cornwall have been getting their hands dirty and discovering the joy of gardening as part of a campaign celebrating nature, learning and the next generation of gardeners.
The Great Gardens of Cornwall launched ‘Little Gardeners, Big Sunflowers’ earlier this year, inviting children, families, schools and communities to grow their own sunflowers and follow their journey from tiny seedlings to spectacular blooms.
The campaign was created to inspire curiosity and encourage children to connect with the natural world, while celebrating the important role gardens play in education, wellbeing and protecting Cornwall’s horticultural heritage.
Schools across Cornwall embraced the initiative, with pupils from Halwin School, Rosemellin Primary School and Porthleven School, all part of Crofty Education Trust, sharing photos of their sunflower-growing journeys so far.
Lucinda Rimmington from the Great Gardens of Cornwall, said, “Gardens are incredible places for learning. We wanted to give children the opportunity to experience the magic of growing a plant for themselves. A single sunflower seed can spark curiosity and create a lifelong love of nature.”
Throughout the summer term, young growers were encouraged to learn about plants, develop patience and responsibility, and discover the science behind how things grow – whether their sunflower was planted in a school garden, a garden at home or even a pot on a windowsill.
Cathryn Andrews, CEO of Crofty Education Trust, said, “It has been wonderful to see our schools getting involved in Little Gardeners, Big Sunflowers. Projects like this give children the chance to learn beyond the classroom, develop a connection with nature and understand the importance of caring for the world around them.”
Children were, and continue to be, encouraged to record their sunflower’s progress, from the first signs of growth to the moment it flowers, with families and schools sharing photos and videos of their growing journeys.
The Great Gardens of Cornwall hopes the campaign has inspired a new generation of gardeners and shown how something as small as a seed can grow into something truly special.
Lucinda added “Today’s young growers will become tomorrow’s gardeners, horticulturists and environmental champions. By sharing knowledge and encouraging children to explore nature, we’re helping to nurture the future of Cornwall’s gardens.”
To follow the Great Gardens of Cornwall and discover more about Cornwall’s inspiring gardens, visit their social media channels.
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