The School Garden Challenge

Dungeons and Dragons

Bankside College, Worcester

The dragon has made a nest of jewels and precious coins that has created legends of mankind coming to take the bounty. Alas it has taken their lives!  What they don’t know, is that the dragon is really protecting the last dragon egg on earth. Filled with firey colours, including reds, oranges, yellows and blues, with natural greens and a maze like structure surrounding a plinth for the dragon’s nest. Cacti form the spine of the dragon and leaves are used for the scales. The Dragon will appear to be breathing fire made of flowers.  

The Ladybird’s Path

Grace Kelly Childhood Trust, Worcester

The Ladybird’s Path is an enchanted, woodland inspired garden created to celebrate ten years of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust and the lasting difference it has made to local children and families affected by childhood cancer.

At the heart of the design is a raised, winding stepping stone path symbolising a journey taken step by step. Ten stepping stones represent each year of the charity’s impact, gently guiding the eye through a fairy inhabited woodland floor. Each stone is engraved with a single word reflecting the values that have shaped the Trust’s work over the past decade. Fairy houses are dotted throughout the space and at the centre of the garden a wildlife pond brings movement and life, enhancing the sense that the garden is truly alive and enchanted.

Blodeuwedd’s Garden

St Michael Abbey School, Worcestershire

The garden is based on the Welsh folklore tale of Blodeuwedd from the Mabinogion. Blodeuwedd was a woman created from flowers to be the bride of a man cursed to never marry a human woman. At the end of the story, she is unfaithful and is herself cursed to turn into an owl. 

The garden will feature a sculpture made of chicken wire representing Blodeuwedd, and will feature plants referenced within the story as well as plants representing betrayal and love, and the national flower of Wales, the daffodil. A wildlife friendly garden in homage to Blodeuwedd as an owl.

Whispers of the Wye

Wye Forest Federation: Redbrook C of E Primary School and St Briavels C of E Primary School

The garden shows myths and legends from the area surrounding the two schools and the River Wye. Journey with the Goddess Gwy, through the peaceful river valley, looking out for devils and fairies, then climb past the ghostly pond up to the haunted castle.