Inspiring the next generation
Following our fantastic webinar last Tuesday featuring inspiring presentations from Neil Grant for the Horticultural Trades’ Association (HTA), The Children’s Gardening Coach, Lee Connelly and Linda Petrons from Greenfingers – we’re delighted to share a wonderful opportunity exclusively for our garden centre members.
A lifelong love of gardening
The session highlighted creative, engaging ways to bring more children into garden centres and spark a lifelong love of gardening.
Building on that theme, we’re thrilled to bring you a generous offer from our Associate Member, Meadow View Stone.
Duck egg cobbles to paint
After watching the webinar, Meadow View Stone got in touch as they wanted to support garden centres taking part in National Children’s Gardening Week.
In previous years, they’ve supplied community groups with their smooth, beautiful Duck Egg Cobbles, which are perfect for painting.
Children decorate the stones and then either hide them for others to find or take them home as keepsakes.
You can see an example of one group they’ve supported here on Facebook.
The activity is simple, creative and hugely popular with families. Your centre could choose to run it in several ways:
- Paint & hide: Children paint a cobble and hide it around the centre for others to discover.
- Treasure hunt first: Hide the cobbles ahead of time, let children find them, and then paint them.
- Take-home craft: A lovely keepsake for children to enjoy long after their visit.
Exclusive to member garden centres
Meadow View Stone will provide:
- One complimentary bag of Duck Egg Cobbles that are ideal for painting
- Supplied with your next stock order
- Available immediately so you can begin planning your event.
After the event, centres are encouraged to send photos of entries. Meadow View Stone will judge them and award first, second and third place prizes, potentially in the form of credit notes that can be used toward in‑store vouchers.
To take part, please contact shill@meadowviewstone.co.uk
Get Involved in National Children’s Gardening Week
The HTA provides excellent free resources to help centres plan engaging children’s activities for National Children’s Gardening Week, from May 23 to 31, including the ‘Great Garden Centre Mystery’ initiative, which Lee is a part of, and the pebble painting mentioned above could be part of the activities you offer.
Lee says: “I’m so proud to be the National Children’s Gardening Week Ambassador again this year and to be launching a brand-new initiative with the HTA that will bring families together and help make the garden centre a real destination for children and families to connect through gardening.
“National Children’s Gardening Week is such an important moment for our industry. It’s a chance for garden centres and families to come together and celebrate the power of gardening and the impact it can have on children’s lives. This new initiative is all about inspiring families to explore, talk about nature, and discover the joy of growing together. I can’t wait!”
Useful links for your events:
- National Children’s Gardening Week resources can be found here and include downloadable ‘Great Garden Centre Mystery’ posters and maps, print-ready or editable assets.
- Register your own in-store events here – this ensures your event appears on the consumer-facing website.
- For Your Garden Year campaign info here
If you have questions or would like to share feedback on any of these initiatives, Elia Johnston at the HTA is very happy to help and can be contacted via her email: Elia.johnston@hta.org.uk.
Make this year the most engaging yet
We know garden centres are at the heart of their communities and initiatives like these help inspire young gardeners while strengthening engagement.
A huge thank you to Meadow View Stone for their generous support and to all of you who continue to create fun, memorable experiences for families.
If you need help with ideas, planning, or resources, we’re here to support our members every step of the way. Please get in touch if you’d like further information or have any questions.