Inaugural School Gardens Competition In Christchurch

Children, parents, teachers and judges gathered at the Canterbury Horticultural Society this evening for the inaugural Oderings Garden Centres School Garden Show.

An idea that grew from the hugely successful School section at the Ellerslie Flower Show in Christchurch last year, the competition attracted eight Christchurch schools with three gold, two silver, two bronze and a merit award given.

Covenor of judges and former Ellerslie judge Rache Vogan said the quality of entries was quite exceptional.

"As our judges noted, these gardens would not be out of place in an international garden competition," she says. 

All schools participating were invited to vote for their favourite garden (The Children's Award) and Bromley School won this, as well as a gold award from the judges.

One of the judges, Christchurch City Councillor Ali Jones, describes the Bromley entry as "stunning".

"The nautical, beach theme was implemented with a lot of thought and a great deal of attention to detail. I particularly liked the seagulls which all seemed to have a personality of their own," she says.

The other judge - Landscape and Garden Designer Sandi McRae and Plant Pathologist and Life Member of the Nursery & Garden Industry Association Athol McCully - both agree saying everytime they went back to the Bromley garden, they saw something they hadn't seen before.

The show is open to the public tomorrow (Friday) and over the weekend with the People's Choice award decided on Saturday afternoon.

Other winners

Gold: 

Bromley Primary School

St Albans Catholic School

West Spreydon School

Silver:

The Cathedral Grammar School

Aidanfield Christian School

Bronze:

West Melton Primary School

Bishopdale School

Merit:

Shirley Intermediate School

http://chsgardens.co.nz/category/news/school-gardens-show/