Appreciating the that turned (From Penarth Times)

Appreciating the that turned

WORMS were the stars at a Penarth school as the children found out about recycling waste.

Delighted St Joseph's pupils saw hundreds of the slippery creatures which turn household waste into compost.

The school has long been associated with gardening and this visit was part of their involvement with growing flowers for an exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Headmaster Mike Flynn said: "The children were fascinated by the worms and how they help turn organic waste into plant food.

"The commitment of our deputy head, Anthony Edwards, and teacher Angela Spray, together with our two tremendous volunteer gardeners from the Penarth Allotment Society, Gerard Kingston and John Curtis, are responsible for the knowledge and enthusiasm the children have for plants and all the subject."

The highlight of the visit came when several large tubs of "Vitalizer" - the plant food produced by the worms - were tipped onto the classroom tables and the children were given the chance to examine the worms!

John Winslow and Malcolm Rich from VitalEarth brought the waste-eating worms which will supply soil to the flowers for the Welsh entry at the Chelsea Show.

Architect Barry Mayled, who has designed the only Welsh show garden, has asked the school to grow some of the flowers for his display.

He said: "The pupils are very excited about contributing to the Chelsea garden and then going to the show itself.

"Appreciation of natural beauty around us and understanding how things grow is an important part of life."

He added: "There is still some sadness in the school over the vandalism to their orchard trees last year, but their involvement with Chelsea will stay with them for a long time to come."