The Montessori Centenary Children’s Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been awarded a Gold medal. The garden celebrates 100 years of Montessori education in the UK and celebrates the pioneering vision for Early Years education of Maria Montessori.
The garden, created by award-winning landscape designer Jody Lidgard (and father of six children), reflects the key principles at the heart of the Montessori approach to education. The garden is a child-centric space for children to play and learn. It is a riot of colour and engaging features including a bright pink repurposed shipping container which houses the main teaching area, a propagating greenhouse complete with a child-sized door, a living wall of herbs and salad leaves, a hydroponic area and brightly-coloured, blown-glass water spouts. The wealth of features aims to teach children about the natural world and the importance of sustainability alongside the modern technology that is the future of horticulture. But most importantly, it’s great fun.
Leonor Stjepic, CEO of Montessori St Nicholas, comments: “We are thrilled that our garden has been recognised by the RHS judges and delighted for Jody that his vision and efforts have been rewarded. Maria Montessori believed fervently in the importance of access to the outdoors. She was a pioneer and well ahead of her time when it came to placing priority on Early Years learning. “
The garden is sponsored by Montessori Centre International (MCI), which provides training to those interested in applying Montessori principles to early years’ education.
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