A GARDEN festival celebrating all things outdoors is set to bring exciting workshops and events to schools.

The school show gardens which were brought together by primary schools last summer as part of the Colchester Garden Festival are set to return this year.

Organised by Blue Peter presenter and Colchester resident Lee Connelly, the competition is part of a month-long garden festival between July 17 and August 13.

St Lawrence Primary School, Rowhedge, scooped last year’s prize after impressing visitors with a bee friendly garden design.

Tiptree garden centre Perrywood also contributed to the school projects by providing vouchers for each class to buy plants.

Gazette: Green fingers - the St Lawrence pupils get to workGreen fingers - the St Lawrence pupils get to work (Image: Contribution)

Lee said he is now looking from more primary schools in and around Colchester to join in with the competition.

He said he was "incredibly overwhelmed by the support and positive feedback from all the schools and visitors that took part in last year’s festival.

Lee added: “This is a real highlight for visitors and myself, and I cannot wait to welcome more schools in 2023.”

The gardens will go on display at the Mercury Theatre from July 17.

Schools are encouraged to contact lee@skinnyjeangardener.co.uk to get their school involved.