Blue Windmill Nursery, a children’s nursery with a large garden in Rugby, has been awarded Platinum in the Schools Rugby in Bloom 2026 competition.
We are absolutely thrilled to receive the award, which recognises the work that has gone into making our garden a beautiful, engaging and nature-rich environment for the children.
A huge congratulations to our Resident Gardener
At the heart of this achievement is our wonderful resident gardener, Barbara Spiby.
Barbara’s knowledge, care and enthusiasm can be seen throughout the nursery garden. She works tirelessly to develop and maintain the planting while also helping the children become actively involved in the natural world around them.
Rather than simply seeing the garden as somewhere to play, our children have opportunities to plant seeds, care for growing plants, explore the vegetable garden, notice seasonal changes and discover the insects and wildlife that share the space with us.
Barbara brings gardening to life for the children. Her patient and practical approach helps them understand that plants need time, attention and care—and that growing something from a tiny seed can be both exciting and rewarding.
We are incredibly proud of Barbara and very grateful for everything she brings to Blue Windmill Nursery.
Attracting nature to our nursery garden
The theme of Rugby in Bloom 2026 is “Attracting Nature”.
The competition celebrates gardens and displays that provide valuable habitats for bees, butterflies and birds, whether through large planted areas or simple containers and hanging baskets.
This theme felt particularly relevant to Blue Windmill because encouraging children to notice and care for the natural world is already an important part of nursery life.
The garden gives children opportunities to look closely at flowers, leaves, vegetables, insects and changing weather. These everyday experiences encourage curiosity, conversation and a growing understanding of the world around them.
More than an outdoor play area
For families looking for a nursery with a garden in Rugby, the amount of outdoor space is important—but so is how that space is used.
At Blue Windmill, our garden is an extension of the children’s learning environment.
Children can be physically active, investigate natural materials, take manageable risks, enjoy quieter spaces and follow their own interests outdoors. Gardening also introduces early ideas about responsibility, patience, healthy food and caring for living things.
The garden changes throughout the year, which means there is always something new for the children to observe and explore.
A seed being planted, the first shoot appearing, a vegetable becoming ready to pick or a butterfly visiting a flower can all become meaningful learning experiences.
A team achievement
Although Barbara deserves a very special mention, the award also reflects the enthusiasm of the whole nursery community.
We would like to thank our staff team, our parents and carers for their continued support and, of course, the children, whose curiosity and involvement bring the garden to life.
Receiving a Platinum Award is a wonderful recognition of what has already been achieved. It also inspires us to continue developing our outdoor environment and finding new ways for children to learn through gardening and nature.
We could not be prouder.
Congratulations to Barbara and everyone at Blue Windmill Nursery—Platinum!
Come and explore our garden
Blue Windmill Nursery provides care and early education for children aged from six weeks to five in New Bilton, Rugby.
Our large nursery garden, outdoor learning opportunities and resident gardener are all part of what makes nursery life at Blue Windmill distinctive.
Find out more about us
We are always happy to show families around, including expectant parents. Please get in touch to arrange your visit.