Raumati South School wins Silver  at Ellerslie Flower Show

By Helen Tristram

Raumati South School pupils, the first primary school pupils ever to enter the Ellerslie International Flower Show, have been awarded the silver prize.

And headmaster Graham Macdonald, naturally, says he is thrilled with their success.

He says the children were  on Breakfast TV today and then went to  the Garden Show — and they’ve been  proud to be able to explain their gardening ideas to the public.

He says they’ve worked hard and have been involved in the whole process.

Fourteen children at Show

Fourteen children aged 6 to 11 — with parents, teachers and supporters — travelled to Christchurch last week for the Show.

Among the features of the 6 by 6-metre garden was an African keyhole garden (pic above left) , edible flower bed and bike-powered irrigation system.

From the original design brief, the children came up with great ideas and have been enthusiastic in helping to fulfil these.

Five years’ work

The children’s Ellerslie entry has highlighted the work they have been involved in over the past five years in the school grounds,he says.

And it’s given them the opportunity to share their knowledge and practical experience with the public.

Last year, every classroom took part in the initial design of the garden and in  the building of the garden structures. They also helped grow the plants — and worked on the final construction of the garden.

In addition to the Silver award, the  school has won the Gold Award for their garden in the last two years of the Kapiti Sustainable Home and Garden Show.