Events — Colchester School Gardens 2025

17/07/2025 until 01/09/2025

Now in its fourth year, the Colchester School Gardens Competition is back at Culver Square!

In a time when screens compete for children’s attention, the Colchester School Gardens Project is getting kids outdoors, hands in the soil, and connected to nature, right in the heart of the city.

Led by Lee Connelly, known to many as the Skinny Jean Gardener and the UK’s leading children’s gardening educator, the initiative brings the magic of gardening to life for pupils across Colchester.

With the support of local schools and community partners, the project empowers children to plant, grow, and care for their own gardens, all while learning valuable life skills.

This year, ten local primary schools are taking part. Each school is creating its own unique gardening space, with pupils involved in every step.

To make things even more exciting, the project culminates in a competition, where one lucky school will win a package of gardening tools, raised beds, and seeds to expand their growing space even further.

 “Gardening gives children something real, something they can care for and be proud of. It’s not just about growing plants, it’s about growing futures! And I’m so happy that visitors of Culver Square get to experience their creations!” – Lee Connelly.

Supported by Anglian Water, RHS Communities, VegTrug and Perrywood, the competition highlights the power of gardening to educate, inspire, and connect young people with the environment.

From 17th July to 1st September, visit Culver Square to see the displays and cast your vote. The school with the most votes will win a fantastic prize that includes a fantastic package of school gardening tools, raised beds, and a selection of seeds, all designed to help the winning school grow even more!

How to Vote

Click here to vote, or pick up a voting form at TOAST, then post it in the letterbox to make your vote count.

Plus, don’t miss the Eco Festival! Find out about the Eco Festival, hosted by Lee Connelly on 8th August at Culver Square here.

Scroll down to see which schools are taking part and plan your visit.

Monkwick Infant and Junior

St John’s C of E Primary

Cherry Tree Academy

St Lawrence

Langenhoe

Prettygate

Gosbecks

Millfields

Hazelmere

Queen Boudica