CHILDREN at Longparish Playgroup have been exploring how things grow in their garden.

The pupils harvested their potatoes and tucked into a potato themed snack, where they looked at all the different things potatoes can be made into. They were even able to take some potatoes home for their tea.

The children also planted sunflower seeds to see who could grow the tallest one.

James Hillier from Hillier Nurseries, whose son Charlie attends the playgroup, talked to the children about the importance of trees.

“I spent a very enjoyable morning talking to the children about the vital importance of trees to us humans and the world as a whole,” he said.

“The children came up with some wonderful examples, like they provide food to eat, homes for wildlife, oxygen for us to breathe, fuel for log fires, shade against the hot sun and many more.

“We then talked about what a tree needs to grow and finally we planted an apple tree, which the children will look after.

“This is a great opportunity for the children to have hands-on experience of looking after a tree and provide it with water and care and to explore the seasonal changes as the tree grows to ultimately provide the fruit and shade that they discussed that morning.”

Kirsty Stephenson, whose daughter Ruby attends the playgroup, said: “The children really enjoyed growing things in the garden and seem to have learnt and understood a lot from it.

“Now on rainy days instead of feeling gloomy about staying inside my little girl tells me why it’s a good thing.”