SCHOOL GARDENS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1342, 31 December 1914, Page 3

SCHOOL GARDENS.

FOXTON SECOND.

The following are the report and , judging marks furnished by Mr J. Grant in connection with the School garden . contests arranged by the Feilding A. and P. Association GENERAE REPORT. The five gardens in the A. grade competition have reached a very ‘high degree; of efficiency. This result has in no small way been brought about by the handsome prizes offered annually by the Feilding A. and P. Association. The conditions governing the prizes have been revised from time to time, and are gradually assuming a definiteness that should make them easy* to work under. One striking fact may be mentioned. Four out of the five gardens are on poor soil, and three but of the five • are frequently visited with very late frosts. Yet with these difficulties to overcome, splendid gardens have. been produced, which are an education not only to the pupils but also to the public. All these gardens, in addition to growing a profusion of flowers and vegetables and carrying on a variety of experiments, have also succeded in beautifying the school grounds in a very high degree. It may be argued that the pupils have too much gardening, but it does not appear that aiter ,a garden has been well established, tne work of keeping it in order is so very great. Besides, the pupils like working in a good garden, whilst they feel the work irksome in a poor one.

The' three winning schools are 1 very close in quality. The differences among them are .very small. They are a credit to the public, who in many cases are only to glad to assist the effort of the teacher and pupils. Apiti garden has been coming on at a great rate during the last 12 months. The plan is now complete, and the result is not only pleasing to the- eye but of distinct educational value to both pupils and the public. Foxtoa and Rangiwabia are very close together, —practically a dead heat. Both are doing work ot a very high character, which will have far-reaching results to those who are fortunate enough to have been pupils at these schools.

A GRADE MARKS. ■ •G- ■ a g .S ...- 0 So « .a .& 0 « ' 3 3 <; (x, pi te « 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Cultivation ... 50 50 49 f f Order & system 40 40 40 34 36 Experimental - 'worl: ... 47 4<> 46 48 40 Labelling ... H J4 J3- « 12 Vegetables ... 28 30. 28 24 27 Tools — I 5 14 15 *o Flowers ... 20 I 9 19 14 12 Diaries .-26 25 27 24 25 Total marks., .240 238 237 220 213