Pocket garden challenge launched

Budding garden designers are invited to tell stories in exciting competition

A nationwide competition has been launched by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful to find school pupils from across Scotland to participate in the seventh annual Pocket Garden Design Competition.

Following the huge success of the online showcase in 2021, when 38 design winners were displayed to allow a public vote, we are inviting children, from as young as three, to design a colourful and sustainable garden. 

The best design entries will be selected, and entrants invited to build and grow their garden at school before photographing or filming it to be showcased as part of an online interactive garden which will allow everyone across Scotland to vote for their favourite from 8-19 June inclusive.

This year designs should interpret three interlinked themes: The Year of Stories, One Planet Picnic and Wildlife Gardening.

Stories are a vital part of culture and community from well-loved tales of family and friends to famous fictional characters: they all give a sense of place, history and belonging. There are fables, legends, folklore, news stories, novels, fairy stories, investigative journalism, and myths to draw inspiration from and this competition encourages young people to celebrate that through their designs.

Eve Keepax, Education and Learning Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful , said: “We’re really excited to be able to announce the opening of our Pocket Garden Design Competition for 2022. 

“This competition over the years has inspired entries from across the country and we hope that in 2022 it gives educators and pupils a new focus that supports learning for sustainability, outdoor learning and the Curriculum for Excellence.

“What are the stories you and your pupils could tell through a garden design?”

Pupils are invited to submit their entries no later than 5pm on 25 February 2022 to oneplanetpicnic@keepscotlandbeautiful.org. 

Further information and inspiration from past years can be found at:

 www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/pocketgarden