Foundation Phase

Our programmes are devised to provide what we term "Early Essential Environmental Experiences" in the outdoor environment as part of the Foundation Phase.

Tedwen’s Adventure
In this highly popular programme we invite your children’s Teddy bears to join our Tedwen on an adventure through meadows and woods to find the Secret Pond.  On the adventure, children discover other friendly animals who teach us how to survive in the Garden by finding food, drink and shelter. We even sing about it!

We're going on a Bear Hunt
Explore the different parts of the Garden as you hunt for that elusive bear! Children are challenged to use their senses whilst going on an adventure around the Garden bringing this brilliant story to life.

     

                     

Sowing and Growing Waking up the baby plant inside a seed is a magical experience.  Learn more about seeds and how a plant starts to grow. Take practical action – during your visit, learn how to make potting compost, plant Marigold seeds in our worm compost and nurture them through to flowering back in school. Send in a digital photo or drawing of an insect sipping nectar from your plants and you will earn an NBGW “Helping Nature Certificate”. This programme supports a school healthy eating programme, Eco Schools recycling programme and encourages children to grow plants for wildlife.                                                        

 

How does your Garden Grow
Visit the Double Walled Garden and schools allotments to see our delicious fruit and vegetables away from the supermarket and growing in the soil. Pupils can practice growing plants for wildlife using compost made by our wiggly worms. This visit can support healthy eating topics, harvest festivals and plant life cycles.

 

 

Seasons at the Garden

Spring

Visit the Garden to experience the coming of Spring. Learn about the animals and plants that appear to herald its arrival.

Summer

The Garden is a riot of colour, smells and sounds in the Summer. Activities and games help children experience the magic of summer – whatever the weather!

Autumn and Winter

Experience the seasonal changes ; collect Autumn leaves and acorns, learn about hibernation and enjoy a story or poem. Make leaf rubbings to display back at school.

 

 

Wet and Wonderful

 
Experience water in all its glory, a safe and exciting day at the garden exploring fountains, waterfalls, rills, ponds, lakes and water sculptures. Investigate floating, sinking and pond life.

 

 

Colours at the Garden
Visit the Great Glasshouse and the Garden and enjoy the riot of colour brought to us through plants and nature. Matching and collecting activities allow children to have hands-on experience.

 

Mud Pies, Dens and Wriggly Things
Children can get ‘back to nature’ in our new outdoor classroom, making their own clay, building dens or searching for mini beasts.

 

 

A Caring Sharing Christmas
Will Robin Goch have enough to eat for Christmas Dinner?
Looking at living things in their environment with a seasonal theme, find out how to help Robin Goch and his friends survive the winter.
- and who knows Father Christmas might even drop in to see us!

Making more of your visit

In addition to a taught programme 

See the largest single span glasshouse in the world.
Experience a tropical climate.
Visit the shop and Art Gallery.
Buzz down to the Apiary to see the bees.
Take a Welsh Country Walk
Enjoy the film “The Planet of Plants” in the 360º 
cinema at the Theatr Botanica.
Bring a healthy recyclable lunch.