Sow the Seeds and Reap the Rewards
For the first time, Beautiful Scotland entered a Pallet Garden at Gardening Scotland 2008, and was awarded a Silver Gilt medal. The garden aimed to show that by 'sowing the seeds', a community can improve its environment, enter the campaign, and 'reap the rewards' for its hard work throughout the year. The garden was designed in three sections divided by a recycled glass path.
Community Corner
The communities involved in the campaign do not only sow the seeds of plants, but of ideas and projects. The campaign is well known for the fine floral displays produced every year by villages, towns and cities across Scotland, represented by a hanging basket in the garden, but it also involves permanent planting and keeping the area free of litter, graffiti and dog fouling.
Children's Corner
The involvement of young people in the entry is important, and in the garden they were represented by a mini compost bin surrounded by carrots and marigolds, both of which are popular choices in school garden projects.
Biodiversity Corner
Biodiversity and sustainable development are key campaign themes. Many wildlife species are in decline but entrants can do a great deal to help reverse this trend; with careful thought the plants grown can provide valuable habitats and nectar sources for birds, insects and amphibians. Within the pallet garden there was a representation of a wildflower meadow with cowslip and primroses.
The Beautiful Scotland team were delighted to be awarded a Silver Gilt Medal by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society judges and wish to pass on their thanks to all who assisted with the garden.