The Alnwick Garden’s Young Gardeners have been given the chance to design and create their first commercial garden, which will be at the show home of the new Edward’s Birch development being built by Lovell in Morpeth.
The garden will be viewed by prospective buyers visiting the development and has been designed to champion sustainability. It will feature rainwater harvesting, wildlife-friendly ponds, and a vegetable patch, elements chosen to inspire people to recreate these nature-positive ideas in their own gardens.
The Young Gardeners programme was established over 15 years ago and educates young people on growing and caring for their own plants as well as helping them form strong friendships.
Lisa Winter, Wellbeing Programme Officer at The Alnwick Garden, said: “Our Young Gardeners programme is so much more than an educational initiative. It empowers young people with disabilities to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and connect with one another in a supportive environment.
“This collaboration with Lovell is incredibly special, as it allows our gardeners to take their ideas beyond the walls of The Alnwick Garden and create a sustainable space that can inspire future residents at Edward’s Birch. We hope it encourages people to think differently about their own gardens and embrace more nature-friendly approaches.”
Working alongside landscape gardeners from Lovell, construction of the garden will begin later this month, with an official opening planned for November 2025.
Ashleigh Tate, Marketing and Social Impact Manager at Lovell, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with The Alnwick Garden on this inspiring project. Supporting the Young Gardeners in designing their first commercial garden has been a privilege, and reflects the importance we place on developing skills and employability among communities where we work. We have been blown away by the young people’s creativity and enthusiasm.
“At Lovell, we are committed to building communities that thrive, and sustainability is also a key part of that. With its rainwater collection system, wildlife-friendly ponds, and vegetable patch, the young gardeners’ design is a fantastic example of how small changes can make a big difference.
“We are proud to help bring their vision to life and look forward to seeing the space taking shape and being enjoyed by prospective buyers at Edward’s Birch.”
The partnership with Lovell has sparked huge excitement amongst the Young Gardeners. Arran Burn, 17, who has been attending the sessions for 15 years, said: “I want to say thank you to Lovell for the opportunity to design our own garden. I can’t wait to see our ideas come to life, and hope to create a special, relaxing place for people to visit.”
For more information on The Alnwick Garden’s Young Gardeners programme, please visit: https://www.alnwickgarden.com/the-charity/community-programmes/young-gardeners/
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- The Alnwick Garden’s Young Gardeners have been working on a design for the Lovell show home garden at Edward’s Birch in Morpeth. Image Credit: The Alnwick Garden
