Supported by NGGV Logos

Calling all young nature lovers! National Children’s Gardening Week is back from 24 May – 1 June 2025, proudly supported by National Garden Gift Card, and set to be bursting with fun, creativity, and outdoor adventure. Timed perfectly with the May half term, this nationwide celebration is all about getting kids outside to spark their curiosity and encourage families to discover the joys of gardening together.

Whether you have a sprawling garden, a sunny balcony, or just a few pots on the windowsill, there’s something for everyone. Gardening is great for the planet and has powerful physical and mental health benefits for all ages.

Throughout the week, garden centres across the UK will be hosting exciting hands-on events for children. From seed planting and flowerpot decorating to nature-themed crafts and mini workshops, families can dig into a world of green-fingered fun.

Meet our 2025 Ambassador: The Skinny Jean Gardener

Lee Connelly, aka The Skinny Jean Gardener, is the official ambassador for National Children’s Gardening Week 2025. Lee is taking his unmistakable enthusiasm and passion for school gardening on the road:

“I’m so excited to be partnering with National Children’s Gardening Week this year and taking our school tour on the road! Gardening has the incredible ability to inspire, educate, and bring joy to children, and this tour is all about getting thousands of kids’ hands in the soil, sparking a lifelong love for growing. Together, we’re championing the importance of school gardening and encouraging more families to create special memories through gardening. I can’t wait to see the impact we create!”

 The 2025 UK School Gardening Tour

As ambassador, Lee will lead the 2025 UK School Gardening Tour, sponsored by National Garden Gift Card. Stopping at schools across the country, the tour will bring thousands of children closer to nature through interactive gardening sessions and a new competition. The goal? To inspire 10,000 young gardeners, promote sustainability and outdoor learning, and reinforce the importance of gardening in education and child development.

 How to Get Involved

National Children’s Gardening Week is a fantastic opportunity for families, schools, and garden centres to celebrate the beauty of nature and the joy of growing together.

So why not grab your trowel, put on your gardening gloves, and join in? Visit us to find out more and see what’s happening near you.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.