Over 100 children took part in free Easter holiday gardening workshops (on 12 and 14 April) for Farnham in Bloom. The children planted seeds, potted up strawberries and created plant-inspired art in the Bloomin’ Kids activities which were held at Farnham Town Council’s greenhouses.

Councillor Sally Dickson, Lead Member for Community Enhancement at Farnham Town Council, says: “Children love getting stuck-in with planting and our holiday workshops are a fun hands-on opportunity to learn this key gardening skill. Parents like the workshops too because we provide everything needed, leaving them to enjoy helping their children – and all for free. We even organise the clearing up!”

She continues: “We had around 120 children across all the sessions. Between them they planted hundreds of strawberry plants, beetroot seeds and French bean seeds which we hope will give us an abundant crop later in the year. They also had the chance to paint pictures of sunflowers, so the greenhouses looked beautiful decorated with their bright, cheerful looking artworks.”

Farnham Town Council was able to put on the workshops for free thanks to sponsorship and volunteer support: “I’d like to thank our principal sponsor for Farnham in Bloom, the Patio Black Spot Removal Company, the many other local businesses who provide seeds and compost, and our wonderful volunteers from the Farnham in Bloom Community Group who help run the activities,” says Councillor Dickson.

Children are involved in activities throughout the year for Farnham in Bloom, including community litter picks and through their schools, nurseries and youth groups. Each year local schools take part in the In Bloom growing competitions such as the tallest sunflower, best hanging baskets and wildlife projects.