London 2012′s exciting ‘Local Leader’ campaign has captured the imagination of Garden Organic’s local champions after the West Midlands launch at Ryton Gardens in April 2012.
Local Leader and Master Gardener programme manager, Philip Turvil, invited over 1,000 of Garden Organic’s enthusiastic volunteers to take part in ‘Garden for the Games‘.
They joined thousands of people nationwide helping their communities celebrate the Olympic and Paralypmic Games.
With the Games starting on 27 July 2012, here are some case study highlights from Master Gardeners.
Top left image: ‘County in a Basket’ on tour at local events and talks
Local Leader Mo
“The bunting from our village Jubilee celebrations is staying up for the Games!
“I’ve suggested all sorts of flowers that locals could plant to help celebrate London 2012. I’m always talking gardening and growing to people, in shops, dance classes, keep fit, as well as the hairdresses, where the hairdressers and their clients push bits of greenery under my nose!
“We’re having a BBQ on the 12th August which will be Game themed and the Garden Club is visiting my gardens later in August, so I’ll see how many I can ‘convert’!”
Local Leader Mo with pupils from President Kennedy School, Gardening for the Games!
Local Leaders John and Sandy
Dunchurch Boughton C of E Junior School, Warwickshire
“We had enthusiastic pupils busy planting their Olympic Rings in car tyres lined with plastic.
“In the tyres from top left to right in the photo below are Ageratum (blue), Viola (black), and Nasturtium (red); then bottom left to right Tagetes (yellow) and Lettuce (green).”
Pupils with Local Leaders - teacher Tracy (left) and Master Gardener Sandy
Busy planting at Dunchurch Boughton C of E Junior School Gardening Club
Local Leader Susan
“I’ve spoken to lots of people about gardening for the Games, especially all the dog walkers and the women at the gym!
“I think I’ve made a ripple with some sort of competition between the neighbours, especially since I did my front garden bed of red, white and blue flowers. It’s now a race every time the sun comes out! I really need that sun as the petunias are refusing to flower…
“My neighbour got involved after saying ‘as you put the Olympic torch in your garden, I felt I should make an effort too!’ I’ll confess my torch was never meant to be that, but after they said that, I could see the effect! I have white lobelia at the top, but I think I will have to swap it for some yellow flowers to get the ‘flame’ effect…”
Inspiring neighbours with red, white and blue flowers in Susan's front garden
Mascot: Wenlock celebrates
Tell your story: Click here to get in touch with Philip
See more: Visit our Flickr set of exciting images…
Read more: Olympic heroes at President Kennedy School
Get involved: Become a London 2012 Local Leader
News: London 2012 launch Local Leaders with Master Gardeners
Resources: Download Philip Turvil’s flower and vegetable growing guides produced with the enthusiastic team at LOCOG
Article by Philip Turvil
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