This year we were very lucky to have greenspace scotland intern Anna Vollheyde help the The Garden for Life Forum set up and run the Garden for Life area at Gardening Scotland.

The Forum promotes wildlife friendly gardening to enhance biodiversity and increase awareness for sustainability. In the area Member organisations, such as Butterfly Conservation Trust, RSPB Scotland or Central Scotland Green Network Trust informed the public about common and rare flora and fauna and how to support them with suitable gardening methods.

Another attraction at the Garden for Life Area were the One Planet Picnic pocket gardens. Keep Scotland Beautiful ran the competition for schools pupils from 3-18 years old to design small gardens using edible and wildlife friendly plants related to the this years themes of rain, drought tolerant, wetlands and coastal gardens. The winning gardens were displayed at the exhibition. The pupils' gardens interpreted the themes in very different ways and attracted and impressed the visitors with their creativity and richness of detail.