A horticultural hoot is to be had for children across Bournemouth and Poole, who are being invited to explore their creativity in a vibrant, fun and perhaps most importantly, ecological way this February half term.
A stay-and- play or make-and-take free event, this years ‘Eco Garden’ event at Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre is a true delight for children and carers alike, who, without any weather worries can decorate pots, plant flowers, create willow insects and birds and let their imaginations run free within this inspired concept.
Xcite, the company behind it has said, ‘The Eco Garden event is a fun, creative community activity for all to take part in, with lots of arts and crafts created from recycled and household items.’
Using industrial waste gathered from Dolphin Centre shop-holders for months it is easy to see how they fulfil their incredible 80 – 90 % recycling statistics; having come up with a way to mix community entertainment and engagement with ecology fun and imagination also bringing in local artists to deliver the event.
The Eco Garden has been inspired by last years ‘Eco Lounge’ where children were encouraged to decorate an empty unit and turn it into a Lounge made entirely out of recycled and hand decorated items, even a sofa, lamps, bins and fixtures and fittings were entirely created from recycleables.
Dolphin Centre manager John Grinnell, said: “Our Eco-initiative events are fantastic. Not only are they free and meaningful, but it means parents can let their children get involved in a fun, messy activity that is out of the home. Last year’s Eco Lounge was very popular among our shoppers and we believe this year’s Echo Garden will be another huge success with families during the February half term.”
The event will run for the rest of the half term between 11-4pm (opposite Beales) and will be displayed for the public to enjoy till the end of the week.
An’ Ecological’ mums perspective
You could describe it as conceptual childrens art, I prefer the term creative ecology. Children are drawn to the activity and colour of the space, put an apron on as soon as they cross the threshhold and at every table there are activities laid out as well as all around the walls! My daughter was fully engaged and had a brilliant time, we stayed for nearly three hours and she didn’t want to leave, we are going back on Friday to see the finished unit. Well worth a visit.
Eedy 7 years old
‘I felt nervous because i didn’t know anyone, then it was really fun because I painted a flower pot and I put a robot on it because I wanted to. The most fun bit was when I painted the ‘tree trunk’ because I painted up high. I like the eco garden because there was so much fun stuff to do. I definitely want to go back because they are going to do loads more fun stuff. ‘
Molly Heinrich
