At Playforce we’ve always been partial to a bit of planting. We think getting your hands dirty in the garden is a great way to learn about the world around you. Gardening in the playground raises awareness of the environment, encourages responsibility, builds social skills and has positive impacts on physical and mental health.
A research paper published by the Royal Horticultural Society signified the start of their Campaign for School Gardening. It had three main aims: to encourage all schools to use gardening as a teaching tool; to show how gardening can enrich the curriculum, teach like skills and contribute to emotional and physical health; to demonstrate gardening’s pivotal role in developing active citizens of the future. The RHS summarised the 3 core areas in which children’s lives are radically improved by the benefits of gardening. They said that children become: ready to learn, resilient and responsible. The 3 Rs of School Gardening.
A more recent discussion of these benefits can be found in an interesting article we read from the WWF. Titled ‘Children want to save the planet, so let them learn how to in school.’, it focuses on why conservation should be part of the curriculum. The author argues that schools can become hubs of sustainability. By encouraging growing, cooking and eating food sustainably in schools we can take the next step to implement changes to make the world a better place.
This all fits nicely with the RHS’ National Gardening Week that takes place next week, 10th-16th April. 2017’s theme is to ‘Help New Gardeners Grow’ and the event is placing a focus on encouraging new gardeners to get involved in planting. There are lots of amazing events taking place across the country to celebrate National Gardening Week and plenty of ways to get involved.
Incorporating gardening into the school routine is something we’re particularly passionate about at Playforce and we’ve created a range of equipment that makes it easy. Our Discovery and Grow Range is packed with planters, pits, mud kitchens and worms - everything you can imagine to get green fingers growing. If you’re looking for something that’s ready to go, our Playforce Shop options are perfect.
A selection of our Garden and Grow equipment that can be delivered straight to your school. Make a home for your Mini-Beasts or plant the vegetables for next term’s lunches, school sustainability starts here. You don’t even need to worry about your plants getting thirsty over the holidays with Vegee-tables. Our friends at Plantscape have created a unique patented watering system that means Vegee-tables will survive several days without watering - they’re amazing!
If you’re taking part in National Gardening Week next week, follow the #NGW hashtag on social media for events, tips and info. Share your playground gardening success stories and together we can help new gardeners grow.