RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year 2019: Michelle Jones, a parent volunteer at Ashmount Primary School, Crouch Hill, London

‘Mum on a mission’ Michelle is passionate about teaching children where food comes from and is the driving force behind a flourishing school gardening club that has got 50 families on board to grow food in the school grounds. Families now flock to Michelle’s weekly gardening sessions, many of whom don’t have gardens at home, and the school grounds are bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables for the whole school to enjoy.

Judges comments.  

"Michelle has proven that with an idea, some determination and hard work, anything is possible. She has not only grown a garden in under a year, but she has inspired the children she has met to get growing and eating well. But what really sets her apart is her infectious joy and love of the garden. She makes it fun, which is exactly what it should be. The world needs more Michelles!"

"Michelle is the perfect example of how children, families and communities can all come together and support each other to improve their surroundings with beautiful plants, as well as grow healthy food to eat and share with each other. Her passion is wonderful to see and the children clearly adore her. A fantastic and very worthy winner."