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Monday 6th February 2012
Would your school or group like to take part in two gardening challenges in 2012? If so, then Rhondda Heritage Park would like to hear from you!
In partnership with the Association of the Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park, we have two fantastic gardening projects planned for this summer.
Our first challenge is a Barrows in Bloom Competition.
Barrows in Bloom is open to school & youth groups , church / Sunday schools and after school clubs for children up to 11yrs old.
The project aims to give young people the opportunity to learn more about plant cultivation, growing, planting techniques and care of their planted wheelbarrow. We aim to promote learning and a sense of ownership, responsibility and commitment amongst the groups.
We can provide all the necessary *equipment such as compost, wheelbarrows, flowering or vegetable plants, hand tools and expert tuition from members of the only Rose Society remaining in Wales – and its based in the Rhondda!
Participation in the project is free and includes the following activities:
- Week Commencing 19th March ~ members of the Rhondda Rose Society will visit each participating group to give a demonstration on planting and to show design ideas for planting your wheelbarrow
- Mid April ~ delivery of wheelbarrows, tools and compost to each group
- Early May ~ Each group will visit the garden centre (transport will be provided) to choose their own summer bedding plants (you may decide to plant up a vegetable barrow – its your plant choice)
- Once the group have received their plants they can plant up their wheelbarrows
- Week Commencing 24th June ~ the wheelbarrows will be collected and delivered to Rhondda Heritage Park and positioned in readiness for the Rose Festival weekend ( 30th June / 1st July)
- Saturday 30th June at 3.30pm the winners of the Barrows in Bloom will be announced. All those taking part will receive a personal invitation to attend.
- Each group will receive a pot grown Rose courtesy of the Rhondda Rose Society and every participant will receive a Certificate for taking part in the competition. Sheilds will be rewarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
The Barrows in Bloom will remain at Rhondda Heritage Park and form a focal point around the site throughout the summer for visitors to enjoy
Our second challenge is Giant Vegetable Growing........
Our Giant Vegetable Show will take place in September and our aim is to encourage local groups, individuals and school groups , to grow vegetables with a difference!
The primary aim will be to encourage individuals and groups to learn about the benefits of growing their own vegetables. We plan to hold various talks and demonstrations pre-planting season, hands-on advice and activities for seed planting, cultivation and plant maintenance. This will be ongoing throughout the season and we aim to supply those taking part with seeds, materials and *equipment.
Those taking part will be actively encouraged to grow specific vegetables for the ‘Giant Vegetable Show’ which takes place at Rhondda Heritage Park in September
The programme of activities includes :
- Early April – groups will be invited to attend an informal get together to meet Philip Vowles – our Champion Giant Vegetable grower who will chat about growing vegetables for the show
- Mid April ~ members from each group will visit Philips allotment to find out more about growing vegetables.
The groups will be able to take home seedlings and seeds ready for planting.
· After the visit each group will be presented with their compost, pots and tools in readiness for planting
· Throughout the season the groups will be invited to attend an advice workshops to ensure they have the help they require to grow their vegetables
· The vegetables for display will be delivered prior to the show ~ date to be arranged
· The Giant Vegetable Show takes place in September and all participants will be invited to attend. Each participant will be presented with a Certificate for taking part
Both projects are available for schools and groups based in Cymmer, Trehafod, Ynyshir, Wattstown, Llwynypia, Trealaw and Wattstown
* All equipment supplied remains the property of The Association of the Friends of Rhondda Heritage Park and must be returned at the end of each project
If you would like to take part , please complete the enclosed application. Should require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me
The deadline for applications for both projects is 1st March
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