Submitted by: Alfie Howell

Category: Children’s garden

I started my project in early April after schools closed. It was named “Isolation Vegetation”, because I planted in strict lockdown.

Initially I began by making my own biodegradable seed pots from newspaper. It was important to me not to use plastic containers, to protect both the soil and environment.

Luckily I had some tomato seeds from last years crop, and was able to utilise these. In addition I chose to plant sweetcorn, sunflowers, and dwarf beans. Grandma kindly offered me some courgette plants to nurture too. The beans required a cane wig wam to climb, which I learnt how to make.

During lockdown we set up a bric-a-brac table outside our house. I offered my excess sunflowers in return for a small donation for Priscilla, which helped to raise some extra funds.

Everything is growing well, and I’m looking forward to eating my veg! We were hoping the sunflowers would be in bloom for our photos, but are literally days away from opening.

To conclude, I also recently made a lovely hanging basket to attract the bees, using lavender, petunias and trailing lobelias. They are just starting to flourish. I really love watching everything grow.