GREEN-FINGERED youngsters at a Rugby nursery are celebrating some blooming success.
Blue Windmill Nursery received a Platinum Award in the Schools Rugby in Bloom 2026 competition.
The award recognises the work taking place throughout the New Bilton nursery’s gardens, where children aged up to five years of age are encouraged to plant, grow, explore wildlife and develop a close connection with nature.
At the heart of the project is Blue Windmill’s resident gardener, Barbara Spiby, who works alongside the children and nursery team to care for the planting and create meaningful opportunities for outdoor learning.
Barbara involves the children in practical gardening experiences, including sowing seeds, caring for plants, exploring the vegetable garden, noticing seasonal changes and discovering the insects and wildlife that visit the nursery.
Nursery owner Sharon Peach said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received a Platinum Award. Our garden has always been one of the most special parts of Blue Windmill, but Barbara’s knowledge, care and enthusiasm have helped us make even more of the opportunities it offers our children.
“Barbara does much more than maintain the garden. She brings it to life for the children, helping them understand where food comes from, what plants need to grow and why it is important to care for the natural world around us.
“We are incredibly proud of her and very grateful for everything she brings to the nursery.”
The award follows this year’s Rugby in Bloom theme, Attracting Nature, which celebrates the work being done across the borough to create and protect habitats for wildlife.
Digging in at Blue Windmill Nursery.
