GROSVENOR Garden Centre has launched its popular annual Schools’ Growing Competition to inspire children from 11 schools in the area to get growing.

Grosvenor’s schools ambassador and horticulturalist, James Mabon, is visiting each of the 11 participating schools to deliver the plug plants, compost, pots and plenty of hints and tips required to grow a prize winning petunia hot flame.

With more than 30 children from each school participating, each child will take their plant home to nurture it before James selects the three best plants from each school.

The final of the competition will take place at the garden centre on Sunday, June 12, when one winner and two runners-up will be chosen and presented with a trug full of gardening goodies and vouchers for their schools.

Saighton CE Primary School teaching assistant Alex Gelling said: “The children’s enthusiasm for planting and caring for their own plant is a delight to see and we all greatly look forward to taking part in Grosvenor’s competition each year.”

James added: “We should see some great blooms and plenty of fresh buds, good leaf health and an exceptional rounded form from the petunias over the coming weeks and by the time the grand final takes place on June 12, I am sure I will be spoilt for choice.”

Grosvenor Garden Centre managing director Iain Whyte said: “We launched the Schools’ Growing Competition 12 years ago and we are delighted to have inspired children to grow plants for all these years. The enthusiasm and interest from the children and schools never diminishes and is a delight to see every year.

“Our regular children’s plant workshops held here at Grosvenor during school holidays have never been more popular with children as young as five showing a great interest in the magic of gardening and it really is a joy to see.”

For further information on Grosvenor’s children’s plant workshops, visit www.grosvenorgardencentre.co.uk and to book call 01244 625200.