The Bendigo Show School Garden Program encourages students and families to learn practically where their food comes from, how plants grow and foster healthy living. Schools are encouraged to enter the two new classes added to the Bendigo Show Horticultural section this year.

“This is a great opportunity for school students to learn and apply their gardening skills in a fun, competitive environment to display to the public at Bendigo Show and win a prize for their school” said Melissa Neal, Bendigo Show.

Class 1: Wheelbarrow Garden: Get your school to create a garden in a wheelbarrow. Transform that rusty, neglected wheelbarrow behind the school shed into a stunning garden.

Judging of gardens will be points based on: the design and arrangement of the garden display, the variety of plants used and the general neatness, tidiness and cleanliness of the display.

Students are to create an information poster to display with your wheelbarrow and write a 50 -100 word promotional article on your school gardening activities (or wheelbarrow) for publication in the Bendigo Advertiser. Entrants also have the option to create an exciting and engaging DVD movie that accompanies their wheelbarrow and poster. This may feature a school garden plot or other horticultural and agricultural activities at the school.

Class 2: Basket of Produce: Display a basket of produce grown and picked fresh from your school garden plot.

Thanks to the Bendigo Advertiser for your sponsorship. The competitions are open to both primary and secondary students. Entries close 10th October.

Blooming Barrows of Fun: Melissa Neal, Bendigo Show Society planting a Wheelbarrow Garden for the October Show.

Blooming Barrows of Fun: Melissa Neal, Bendigo Show Society planting a Wheelbarrow Garden for the October Show.