A BUSY Powys garden centre has donated plants and gardening supplies to local primary schools, and also relaunched a free initiative to encourage youngsters into gardening and outdoor activities.
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is hoping to inspire the next generation of gardeners, with each of five local schools receiving £100 worth of garden supplies last month.
The Old Railway Line, located in Three Cocks, near Llyswen, donated a range of plants, seeds, seed potatoes and compost to five local cluster primary schools.
The schools picked were Llyswen’s Archdeacon Griffiths Church in Wales Primary School, Clyro Church in Wales Primary School, Hay-on-Wye Primary School, Llangors Church in Wales Primary School and Ysgol y Mynydd Du in Talgarth.
Operations director Katie Eckley said: “We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of gardeners.
“We love to collaborate with local schools and help with projects whenever possible. Each school received £100 worth of gardening goodies which will set them up for growing success this season.
“Matthew and Mike had an enjoyable morning out in the van delivering the goods and meeting the children at each school.”
Retail and events manager Matthew Lewis added: “It was great fun delivering a bundle of plants and gardening materials to our local primary schools.
“All the pupils were so excited about the opportunity to grow their own plants and vegetables at school. Gardening is a great activity to get children outdoors, to enjoy the fresh air while learning about growing plants and where their food comes from.”
The garden centre has also re-launched the previously popular club, Little Oaks, with additional benefits.
The initiative is free to join for children under 12 and has several incentives for members.
Mr Lewis said: “We are delighted to be re-launching our popular Little Oaks club, following a couple of years off due to Covid interruptions.
“We love inspiring budding gardeners and this initiative is designed to encourage children to get their hands dirty and enjoy learning about growing, gardening and the great outdoors.
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“Membership is free and includes exclusive benefits, such as a birthday card and voucher, monthly newsletters, exclusive offers and regular Little Oaks activity stands in store.
“It’s easy for parents and guardians to sign up, simply visit our website and fill in a form including your railway rewards number.
“If you aren’t yet a member you can sign up when you visit or download our app. We are asking that all previous members also re-sign up to make sure all data is up to date.”
For more information about the Old Railway Line Garden Centre and the Little Oaks initiative, contact them directly on 01497 847055 or visit their website at www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.
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