Hampshire County Council designed and built a £12,000 garden for Old Basing Infant School, in Milkingpen Lane, that offers outdoor teaching facilities and the chance for children to study flora and fauna all year round through carefully considered planting.
The garden is divided into different areas, named by the children. It includes shaded teaching areas and has replaced a temporary classroom that was knocked down in 2003.
The project was commended in the "design under one hectare" category at the Landscape Institute Awards, in London.
Vera Cottrell, headteacher at Old Basing Infant School, said: "The best
thing about the garden is the enthusiasm with which the children attack
their gardening time.
"A member of staff only has to go out and tend the garden and within minutes
they are surrounded by eager children wanting to help.
"Let's hope that our living classroom' has started them on the road to
becoming our gardeners of the future."
Councillor Ken Thornber, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: "The
garden at Old Basing Infant School is a wonderful example of creative
landscaping that combines a stimulating learning environment with a relaxing
play area.
"Receiving this commendation is a feather in the cap for our talented
landscape architects and it's thoroughly deserved."
Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, who was invited to open the garden earlier
this year, said: "In the design of this garden, Hampshire County Council has
given the children a valuable additional place to play and learn, which will
do so much to help them understand the importance of our natural
environment."
The Landscape Institute Awards recognise outstanding work in the landscape
profession, and bring awareness for work that creates an improved
environment.