Now she's growing places...

TALENTED . . . Nicole Harvey, from Oldham, is having her garden sketch brought to life at Southport Flower Show this month after winning a design competition

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TALENTED youngster Nicole Harvey will get to see the garden she designed for real at the Southport Flower Show.

Nicole, aged 10, of Holy Cross Primary School, Oldham was one of two winners at the flower show's Design a Garden competition.

The garden had to be eco-friendly and the contest was open to primary pupils from years three to six in the North West.

Sponsored by the West Lancashire Freemasons charity Supporting the Community scheme, the eco-friendly garden had to be designed in line with this year's theme of The Curious Garden using plants, colours, recycled items and a lot of imagination.

The winning designs were built into real gardens for the show, which runs from August 17 to 20, by Myerscough College's work-based apprentices, with support from Bannister Hall Landscape Supplies.

Sarah Walker, from Holy Cross Primary School, said: "Within Year five, the children have been learning about the environment and, in particular, man-made and natural changes.

"As part of a homework task, the children were asked to design an environmentally friendly garden, in order to enter the Southport Flower Show competition.

"As a school, we were thrilled that Nicole's design was chosen as the winning entry. With Nicole's expert help, we will spend the money on improving our own outdoor environment, while being as environmentally friendly as possible."

Nicole, from Higginshaw, received £50 and her school received £500 to spend on the school grounds.

Nicole's mum Katya said: "I am very proud of her, she has never won anything before.

"We are looking forward to seeing her garden at the show on August 18. She very much likes drawing."

The other winner was James McManus, from SS Peter and Paul's Catholic Primary School, Mawdesley, and there were 10 runners-up.