I recently had the pleasure of photographing pupils from Staple Hill Primary School who accepted the invitation of Merlin Housing Society to spend an afternoon helping to brighten-up their estate and to hone their gardening skills at the same time.

The children, who all live at the Merlin Housing Society flats in Staple Hill, braved some very heavy showers to plant over one hundred flowers and herbs, which will add a splash of colour and fragrance to a communal courtyard area.

The planting was part of ongoing improvements that Merlin is making to the area around the flats, which also includes, new hedges, creating wild meadows and adding benches and picnic tables.