Lakewood School has been recognised for its green-fingered talents, winning the Best School Gardening Project at the recent Ards and North Down in Bloom competition.
Students and staff played a key role in the garden’s transformation, helping to design, plant and nurture a space that now flourishes with colour, life and meaning.
The Lakewood School Gardening Project provides a calming and nurturing environment for the young people to develop valuable life skills and promote a love for nature.
The judges were deeply impressed by the creativity, care and purpose behind the Lakewood School garden, commenting, “Lakewood’s School garden has become a sanctuary of healing and growth, filled with flowers chosen for their meaning, fruit and vegetables and even a restored wildlife pond.
“The garden connects students with nature and offers both learning and therapeutic benefits, as well as qualifications in horticulture. A truly inspiring project. Congratulations, Lakewood School.”
Delighted by the success, Lakewood Governance Lead, Chris Millar said, “This is an incredible achievement of our Young People. Their enthusiasm and dedication have brought so much life to the garden. It has become a really positive and therapeutic space. This award is a testament to their hard work and pride in what they have created.”
South Eastern Trust Assistant Director Lakewood, Residential and Leaving Care Services, Marie Louise Sloan added, “We are so proud of this fantastic achievement. The gardening project has given our Young People an opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills and experience the joy of growing something from the ground up. It is about much more than plants. It is about personal growth, teamwork and wellbeing.”
Lakewood School Literacy Teacher, Sheryll Ormsby stated, “We are delighted to have won the Ards and North Down Borough Council, In Bloom Best School Garden Project. We are extremely proud of the creative efforts and hard work shown by our students and staff in transforming our garden into a vibrant space for healing and growth.
“This project reflects the resilience of our students, featuring flowers that symbolise victory, joy and strength, along with a productive fruit and vegetable area that promotes sustainable practices.
“We are delighted that we are now able to offer OCN Level 1 Horticultural modules to deepen our students’ connection to nature, while gaining both qualifications and practical skills in horticulture and sustainability.”
