School children given a master class ahead of Knowsley Flower Show

With just two weeks to go, school children from St Edmund Arrowsmith Centre for Learning have been getting gardening tips from experts ahead of the North West’s largest free horticultural event on Sunday 7th August at Court Hey Park, Knowsley.

Local horticulturists, Vinnie Kilshaw and Don Sutcliffe met with pupils to give them a master class on how to showcase their produce ready for the flower show as well as giving them some expert gardening tips.

The school has its very own allotment on site which the pupils tend to during their break and at lunch time. The allotment proves very popular with all the pupils and provides a valuable alternative to the traditional subjects taught in school. The allotment is flourishing with perfect peas, cabbages and onions as well as other vegetables and delightful potted plants.

Jonathan Garvey, a pupil at the school said “I really enjoyed getting tips from the expert today; he taught me loads about the quality of the soil and other helpful gardening tips. I am really excited to be showcasing our vegetables in the flower show this year. All my family will be there to see them and it makes me proud to think I played a part in growing them.”

Councillor Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Community and Culture said “We’re delighted to be able to call on the expertise of the borough’s leading horticultural society to offer advice to the pupils. They have done a fantastic job here at the allotment and it’s great to see such quality produce.

“We’re incredibly proud to be hosting the largest free horticulture event in the North West and it is a fantastic way to get budding gardening enthusiasts and families together for a fun day out.”

Budding gardeners, friends and families have the opportunity to wow judges with their perfect pot plants and delightful dahlias in the floral marquee. Plus, visitors can enjoy art and drama exhibitions, learn new skills and gain free health and wellbeing advice.

New to the show this year, is the Food Marquee called ‘Food for Thought’ which will showcase and celebrate locally produced and sourced food with tips and advice on healthy eating with recipes available linking in with the benefits of growing and cooking your own fruit and vegetables.

Knowsley Flower Show is 11am – 5pm and is free for everyone. Car parking is limited so visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus service which runs throughout the borough regularly, making access to Knowsley Flower Show much easier.

For a full list of timetables please visit www.knowsleyflowershow.com.