If you’re looking for something fun and seasonal to do with the kids this half term, then head to Royston’s district museum for their Little Gardeners event on Saturday.

Visitors will be able to have a go at planting their own sunflowers, and enter into the museum’s competition – for which the winners who have grown the tallest sunflowers in each age category will be announced in September.

You can also see the Lower King Street museum’s new planting in the courtyard at the front of the building.

The plants were all selected and kindly donated by Shepreth’s Wyevale Garden Centre and are typical of those which grew locally in the 17th century, when King James I resided at the Old Palace in Kneesworth Street, across the road from the museum.

Museum manager Jenny Oxley said: “The plants newly donated include marjoram, lemon balm, chives, primula, vinca, lupins, lavender, hesperis, marigolds, thyme, alcea, aquilegia and roses, all designed to make a great garden feature, which has lots of colour and will smell fantastic.

“It will also be a great learning resource, as many of the plants and herbs were used in the 17th century for a broad range of household, medical and culinary purposes.

“It’s lovely that Wyevale Garden Centre are able to support the community in this way, by providing us with authentic 17th century plants, and their expert advice has been invaluable.

“We’re really grateful for their support. Visitors and community groups who use the museum will enjoy finding out more about the plants, and experiencing their colours, scents and textures.”

Wyevale’s horticulture manager Kayleigh Orrock said: “We are so delighted to be able to support local communities and businesses, especially when given such interesting planting concepts to work on. Thank you to Royston museum for involving us in the project.

“We hope to be able to continue our support, help make our community greener and more beautiful, and encourage more people to enjoy gardening.”

For more information about the Museum’s half term activities, including Little Gardeners on Saturday from 10.30am to 12 noon, go to www.roystonmuseum.org.uk.

To find out more about Wyevale Garden Centre go to www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk.