Young people from The Alnwick Garden have completed their most ambitious horticultural project yet, creating a wildlife-friendly show home garden at a new housing development in Morpeth.
Members of The Alnwick Garden’s Young Gardeners programme designed and created the garden at Lovell’s Edward’s Birch development, working alongside North East landscaping contractor One Landscapes.
It is the group’s first commercial garden and includes hedgehog houses, bird-feeding tables and colourful flowers chosen to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Two raised beds demonstrate how vegetables can be grown at home, while the Young Gardeners have decorated rocks with fruit, vegetables, colourful patterns and messages promoting happiness and wellbeing.
Benches offer space for quiet contemplation, and a pathway from the rear of the show home leads to a wooden arch marking the entrance to the planted area. A sign created for the garden reads: “Welcome to Our Happy Place by The Young Gardeners.”
Young Gardeners is a horticultural programme supporting young people with additional needs and their families. It provides opportunities for participants to develop practical skills, form friendships and build their confidence.
Lauren St Hilaire, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at The Alnwick Garden, said: “Our Young Gardeners have thoroughly enjoyed working with Lovell on the show home garden at Edward’s Birch, the biggest and most ambitious project the group has completed to date.
“The whole process has brought everyone together and built friendships among the group, with young people who were previously reluctant to speak to their fellow gardeners finding the confidence to engage with each other.
“It has had a really positive impact, not only on the Young Gardeners but also their parents and families who have also been able to share the experience.”
The project forms part of an ongoing partnership between Lovell and The Alnwick Garden. Lovell has previously supported the charity’s Winter Light Trail and donated funding towards polytunnels used by the Young Gardeners.
Ashleigh Tate, Marketing and Social Impact Manager for Lovell in the North East, said: “We have been so impressed by the creativity and enthusiasm of the young people who form The Alnwick Garden’s Young Gardeners group, and it has been a real honour to support them in designing their first commercial garden at our Edward’s Birch development.
“We hope that visitors to the garden will be inspired by its sustainability features.”
The Alnwick Garden is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Lauren added that support from organisations such as Lovell helps the charity continue creating opportunities for young people and families.