Offaly girl Emma (8) wins €500 prize in 'budding gardeners' competition

An eight-year-old Offaly girl has been announced a runner-up in this year’s Woodie’s Budding Gardeners competition.

Emma Norris from Tullamore earned the the runner-up prize with her entry 'The Ramblers Nest', and she was rewarded by being presented with a €500 Woodie’s gift card.

Now in its fifth year, the Woodie’s Budding Gardeners campaign encourages children across Ireland to flex their green fingers by taking on an exciting garden project at home or in school while learning about the importance of plants along the way.

This year's theme was "Plant-a-Pot" where children were tasked with creating their own potted creations.

Woodie's garden expert, Brian Burke, had a tough role judging this year’s entries and selected Emma's 'Ramblers Nest' as one of the runners up.

Emma’s entry was created to welcome birds, bees and insects. In an old pot she planted bright-coloured flowers like yellow dahlia, pink geranium, biden yellow charm and bacopa in white to attract bees.

Budding Gardeners judge Brian said: “It was clear Emma really thought through her project and really looked after it to help it thrive and make her flowers stronger.

"She maintained her Ramblers Nest very well and she even planned for the untamed Irish weather to keep her flowers and nest protected. A lovely project and a worthy winner!"

Speaking about the innovative and creative entries from this year’s Budding Gardeners competition, Brian added: "I say it every year, but judging the Woodie’s Budding Gardeners competition is always one of my most challenging tasks.

"The innovation, creativity, and imagination on display from Ireland’s young gardeners is phenomenal, and the level of work and attention to detail never fails to impress."