Top Waiouru gardens

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 428, 17 March 1992, Page 11

Top Waiouru gardens

BY

JO

HOWEE

Waiouru residents had their sections judged last week to determine the best overall g arden. From 612 houses, 47 gardens entered the competition. From a short-list of 10, the top four gardens were then selected. The judges were Mrs Smith from the Property Office, Mr Charnley, Waiouru's foreman landscaper and Mrs Kate Sinclair, a g arden enthusiast. Ken Charnley said the sections were judged on street appeal, lawns, vegetable garden for neatness and variety, flowers for display, colour and innovation and the general appearance for neatness and effort. He said there had been a great improvement in the gardens over the last 12 months, and the standard was high. "Residents should be

encouraged to look after their gardens. I'm happy to assist people with their garden and with any queries they may have," Ken said. He said Waiouru residents should start up a gardening club. Because of Waiouru's uniqueness, gardeners need to alter their management of the plants to suit Waiouru's seasons. Colonel Sinclair presented the Cariappa Shield to the winner and certificates and prize money to the three place winners. He thanked the finalists for their effort and stressed the importance of keeping the town beautiful. He said Waiouru gardens have come along way since the original desert area. The Cariappa Shield was first established in 1956. The Indian High Commissioner, Major General Cariappa visited the area and Waiouru's sparseness made an im-

pression. When he retired and returned to

Madras, India, he had the shield made and sent it

to Waiouru. Results: First D Barton of 17 Wakefield Street, Second D Giddens of 6 Piearce Place, Third L Forrester of 6 Maxwell Grove. Effort B Sparkes of 7 Bullot Street. This prize was presented for the first time this year. Judges said what Mrs B Sparks achieved in only three months since moving into the house was worth a prize. The finalists were: G MacMillan of 8 Bums Place, J Jocobs of 5 Maxwell Grove, S Wilson of 5 Weir Terrace, L Bennett of 2 Stewart Street, S Kumeroa of 39 Weir Terrace and D Ferguson of 14 Wakefield Street.