THE PRINCESS Royal stopped by to speak with staff and students from Pershore College as they showcased their Commonwealth and environmental-themed garden at a major show.
The Queen’s only daughter visited the garden created by supported learning students from Pershore College during the RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
Princess Anne spent time at the garden to find out about its inspiration, environmental credentials and the work the students had put in to create it.
A group of 90 students created the garden, which was entered into the School Garden Challenge at the event, and came away as highly commended.
The four-metre squared plot included themed bunting made by the students and a model of the Queen’s royal train, which travelled around the edge of the raised beds. The garden was also carbon-negative.
Catering students created a special cream tea for the unveiling of the garden including homebaked scones and jam made using fruits grown at the college.
Louise Badham, head of department for Supported Learning, Re-Engagement and Schools (Worcestershire) at WCG, said: “We were actually on-air giving a live radio interview at the time, and then we noticed that Her Royal Highness was approaching our garden!
“The Princess Royal showed a real interest in the garden and asked us about the Commonwealth link, the plants in it and then we also spoke with her about the work the students had done in the creation process.
“It was a fantastic day and we had some tremendous feedback on the garden. To be awarded highly commended was wonderful; the RHS judges said they really liked it because it was the kind of garden that could be at anyone’s home.
“We had between five and 10 students join us each day to talk about the garden and the public loved it.
“It was great to see it all of the students’ hard work come together and to be recognised by Royalty was the cherry on the top.”
