Devon Primary Schools are Being Invited to Enter a Paignton Zoo Garden Design Competition

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - Can you create a garden in 60 seconds?

Devon primary schools are being invited to enter a garden design competition - and to prove how easy it is, a local gardener is taking on the challenge to create a garden in one minute.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Curator of Plants and Gardens Kevin Frediani said: “Designing a garden sounds like a lot of work, but in fact it can be really quick and easy. The competition is about inspiration and ideas, not draughtsmanship and precision. My advice is, keep it simple. How will the school use the garden? How will you look after it?

“Start with a scale plan of the area – show us which way is North and mark the main site features including buildings. You’ll need a 2B pencil and some colouring pencils, a ruler and a list of the garden features you want to include - vegetable plot, compost bin, tool shed, seating area, wildlife pond.

“Step one, place the plan so that the north side is pointing down. This means the sun will rise from the left side of the page, shine over the garden from the top of the page and set on the right side as you look at the plan.

“Step two, check to see if any surrounding buildings will cast a shadow over your garden. Step three, place your main garden features and structures on the plan - make sure the tool shed is in the shady area, as it does not need light to grow!

“Step four - colour the design in and send it to the Grow Up Campaign! Simple!”

The competition – to plan a 6 metre (20 feet) square garden – is open to all Devon primary schools. There are three themes - coastal, urban or rural. The closing date is 11th December.

Grow Up! is a partnership between Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and NPS South West Ltd., who look after most of Devon’s schools, and is being supported by the Western Morning News.

You can enter Grow Up! online at www.growupdevon.co.uk . Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk  or ring (01803) 697500.

To view Paignton Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-783-Paignton_Zoo_Environmental_Park

Photo:  Kevin Frediani, curator of plants and gardens.