Allianz Garden Show Ireland was sowing the seeds for future gardeners from Schools all over Northern Ireland recently as it launched its Schools Challenges for the 2015 event which takes place in Antrim Castle Gardens from 8-10 May, 2015.
For Primary Schools there is the opportunity to get involved in the Allianz Schools’ Garden Challenge creating ‘Edible Container Gardens’ or to design and build a scarecrow for Allianz Scarecrow Wood and for Secondary Schools the challenge is to design and produce gardens for display. Damien O’Neill, Group Head of Marketing for title sponsor Allianz, commented, “Every year we are hugely impressed with the enthusiasm and creativity of the many Schools who take part in the various challenges. There is increased recognition as to the importance of outdoor learning and these initiatives provide a fun way of teaching children about the world around them whilst also encouraging them to get active in their own school gardens.”
Claire Faulkner, Director of Allianz Garden Show Ireland believes the Schools activity is a vital part of the Show. “It brings such a sense of energy to the show to have so many school children involved in the different challenges. Our aim is to get young people interested and engaged in gardening and it is always rewarding to see how much they learn!”
Promising a ‘Festival of flowers, food and fun’, the 2015 Allianz Garden Show Ireland programme will focus on bringing the fun of ‘all things garden’ to as many people as possible. Sitting alongside the traditional array of specialist plants, artisan food stalls, local craft and show gardens will be fun filled activities appealing to all age groups – live music, a dedicated kids adventure area, a garden cinema and much more. Plus, the appearance of numerous gardening and food experts, including BBC’s Monty Don who will be appearing at the show on Saturday 9th May.
Gardening gurus of the future, Callum, Mathew and Abbie from Cairnshill Primary School in Castlereagh, prepare their Garden Containers for the Allianz Edible Container Gardens Competition – the winners of which will be revealed at the 2015 Allianz Garden Show Ireland which runs from 8th -10th May at Antrim Castle Gardens. For more information visit www.gardenshowireland.com. (Callum is pictured in the foreground with Abbie and Mathew behind).
Gardening gurus of the future Lacey and Amy from Rathenraw Integrated School admire the Scarecrows from 2014 Allianz Scarecrow Wood as they contemplate what scarecrow they will be building for the 2015 Allianz Garden Show Ireland which runs from 8th -10th May at Antrim Castle Gardens. For more information visit www.gardenshowireland.com. (Lacey is on the left and Amy on the right).
The 2015 Allianz Garden Show Ireland will run from 8th – 10th May at Antrim Castle Gardens and is open daily from 10am-6pm with parking adjacent. Adults are £10 (concession £8) and the event is FREE for children under 16. There is a reduced rate for online booking and for more information visit www.gardenshowireland.com.
