The Society is well aware of the need to look outwardly, to relate to our community as a whole, and to realise the importance of communicating with schools in the area.

In the first decade of the 21st Century there has been increasing concern, both nationally and at local level, that the horticultural world in the UK was losing contact with a younger generation of potential gardeners. Some might, if given the right incentives and encouragement, become professionally involved in horticulture or, at the very least, might form a life-long enthusiasm for gardening and love of plants in general.   At national level the RHS has spearheaded a programme of activities, and leading horticultural personalities have also opened up links with schools.

In recent times, in almost every week that passes, there is now mention in the horticultural press (eg, Garden News) of such initiatives with schools and it is evident that children in infant and primary schools respond positively to gardening projects. It is clear that such relationships with schools are fulfilling a basic need which has been largely lacking in the latter part of the 20th Century.

Since 2008 our Societyhas been developing important connections with three schools in our area, they being Stoke Poges School, Fulmer Infant School, and Wexham Court Primary School.

Transferring our Annual Show to the grounds of Stoke Poges School provided us with a key opportunity to move towards close horticultural relationships with those three schools which we hope will help to support such local activity elsewhere, promote increasing interest in our work and generate further links between us and the community at large.

Success throughout the UK of such initiatives must be assured if we are to ensure continuance of the centuries long traditions of horticulture in our islands; the significance is as clear cut and simple as that.

Progress in 2010

At Stoke Poges School there has been considerable investment in the development of a school garden.

A sloping ground area between buildings has been transformed. The ground has been raised by means of timber balking to provide a substantial level area for the contruction of raised beds, all of which has been fenced to provide a very attractive feature in the school grounds. This development is open to viewing on our Annual Show days and we look forward to Members' interest in the support which we wish to give to this important venture.

We understand that parental support for the project has been a considerable factor in this successful aim to encourage the children's interest in gardening, particularly in the growing of fresh food produce which the children can then prepare and eat.

What is especially significant is the realisation within the school that climate change is a reality and that water shortages in the summer months (in particular) will have an effect of considerable proportions. To this end, all the raised beds, the central fountain and underground storage tanks have been linked in a pumped system so that water is recycled. This is an important design feature which should be recognised nationally. The annual competition organised by the Society is for the work which the children do as part of their projects for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum but the excellent facility described in these notes will surely be a tremendous stimulus to their work in future years. The School are to be congratulated for all they are doing in supporting the future of gardening, and hence horticulture, in the UK.

Clearly the children see the project as a source of serious debate!





This article is to be continued.