MAWNAN C of E Primary School will be the first school in Cornwall to open for The National Garden Scheme on Sunday, June 16.

Fully supported by head teacher and chair of governors, Zinnia Swanzy, an enthusiastic school mother, has used her training as garden designer to develop a fabulous school nature garden and run an after-school Gardening Club for Year 2 pupils.

The children in the Gardening Club experience a whole horticultural year from sowing seeds in spring, through the nurturing and growing process to harvesting and eating in summer and autumn.

The year is rounded off by making pumpkin soup. The children love the whole process and gain a lot from learning how to garden, where their food comes from and benefit from being in the fresh air outside.

The garden is accessible for the whole school to enjoy and provides a valuable calming, green space within which children can just ‘hang out’ during break and lunch times, enjoying the scents and feel of sensory plants. Lessons are also held in the garden, when possible as it has such a beneficial effect to inspire learning. 

Garden is open from 1.30 to 4.30pm, admission £6. Home-made teas will be available.