Sheffield primary school pupils showcase upcycled planter at Chatsworth Flower Show

The group from Sheffield Girls Primary School

Around 16 pupils from Sheffield Girls Primary School, in Fulwood, created an upcycled planter as part of the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show Schools' Grow Sensory Planters Design Competition.

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The group of Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, who are part of the school’s outdoor adventure club, used materials such as carpet tubes and newspaper, recycled household plastic and an unused school bench to make the planter, which was inspired by the five senses – smell, touch, hearing, sight and taste.

They started the process before the Easter school holidays and were asked to save any packaging that could be recycled for the planter, ready to get started when they returned to school.

While making the planter, Year 1 teachers Ruth Critchley and Rachel Nyarko along with learning assistant Tracy Jackson taught the girls about sustainability and the importance of recycling and reusing items to help the environment.

The planter’s design was based on the story ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ by Drew Daywalt.

The planter featured an array of flowers and herbs such as chives and marigolds

It featured a selection of tasty and tactile plants, along with small speakers which were used to play recordings of the group reading extracts from the story.

Year 1 teacher Rachael Nyarko said: “The children went to the show to see the final display and spent the day enjoying the show. There were around 30 entries and it was a peoples vote. Unfortunately we didn’t win but we were so happy to be part of it.

“It has been a great experience for the girls and was a fantastic day. We have also been in contact with the author who lives in Canada and he loved what we have done.”

Year 2 pupil Ariana said: “I liked painting and making the talking bits. I also liked growing the flowers but my favourite bit of the flower show was looking round at other peoples entries.”

The plants will now be donated to PACT House, near to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, which supports families whose children have cancer.

Ms Nyarko added: “They’re going to take our plants to put in the family room. We’re delighted they’ll be able to take them and the girls will put messages on the plants. It’s a lovely end.”