ANTRIM SCHOOLS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE FOR GARDEN SHOW!

During the last few months pupils from Primary Schools across the country have been working on designs for Scarecrow Wood and the Edible Containers Competition for the 2014 Garden Show Ireland – both of which are sponsored by long term supporter of the Show – Allianz.  Thirty Schools from all over Northern Ireland rose to the challenge this year and the winners were presented with their awards today (Saturday 10th May).

Five Schools from Antrim were in the winning line up including Maine Integrated Primary School, Round Tower Integrated Primary School, Rathenraw Integrated Primary School, Ballycraigey Primary School and Steeple Nursery School.

Coordinated by the Integrated Education Fund, Primary school children from Integrated Schools throughout Northern Ireland were invited to create colourful scarecrows that are gathered together to form Allianz Scarecrow Wood. The 2014 Allianz Scarecrow Wood inhabitants include Sporting Heroes such as Dame Mary Peters and Brian O’Driscoll as well as Eco-Friendly, Scary and Traditional Scarecrows! 13 schools created 19 different Scarecrows and the standard was very high indeed.

New for 2014, Primary Schools were invited to design ‘An Edible Garden in a Container’ with the winning schools receiving a Bizzy Bees Gardening Kit and trees kindly provided by CAFRE Greenmount College. 7 Schools from across Northern Ireland created 17 different and creative edible containers.

Nicholas Crawford from sponsors Allianz commented, ”We are delighted with the response of Schools from all over the country and it is fantastic to see the fruits of all their hard work.  The teachers and the pupils commit a huge amount of time and energy to these activities and it has hopefully engaged and kick started the next generation of budding gardeners.”

Taking place in a brand new venue for 2014, an expanded new look Garden Show Ireland will include appearances by Alys Fowler from BBC Gardeners’ World, Ireland’s world-renowned plantswoman Helen Dillon and Bunny Guinness – winner of 6 Chelsea gold medals, author and regular panelist on BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time.  With thousands of specialist plants, great garden shopping, garden designers and show gardens, a craft village, a free design pavilion, artisan food stalls, live music, garden gourmet, garden challenges, a dedicated kids zone and more, the event promises to be the ultimate garden show experience for gardeners of all ages and experiences.

The 2014 Garden Show Ireland will run from 9th – 11th May at Antrim Castle Gardens and is open daily from 10am-6pm with parking nearby. Adults are £10 (concession £8) and the event is FREE for children under 16. There is a reduced rate for online booking and for more information visit www.gardenshowireland.com.

ALLIANZ SCARECROW WOOD

Category: Best Overall Scarecrow

Winner:                      Maine Integrated Primary School, Tony. McCoy

                                    “stand out!”

Category: Sporting Hero Scarecrow

Winner:                      Maine Integrated Primary School, Tony McCoy

                                    “stand out”, “clever”, “great effort and design”

Highly Commended:  Round Tower, Wendy

                                    “great colour and use of the bike”

Category: Traditional Scarecrow

Winner:                      Rathenraw Integrated Primary School, Ted the Tatty Scarecrow

                                    “charming”, “fits the bill”

Highly Commended:  Kilbroney Integrated Primary School, Brian O’Driscoll

                                    “man of the moment! Great presence”

Category: Scariest Scarecrow

Winner:                      Cranmore Integrated Primary School, Mrs Keen to be Green

                                    “great use of colours”, “imposing”, “eye catching”

Highly Commended:  Roe Valley Integrated Primary School, Spooky Serena

                                    ”great hat and stars”

Category: Most Eco Friendly Scarecrow

Winner:                      Forge Integrated Primary School, I can, Can Can

                                    “very clever reuse of materials”, “lovely face!”

Highly Commended:  Phoenix Integrated Primary School, Gumbie

                                    ”well made”, “fantastic colours and feathers”

Highly Commended:  Forge Integrated Primary School, I can, Can Can

                                    “fulfilled brief!”

 Allianz Primary Schools’ Edible Garden Container Competition

 Best Overall & Gold Award            Glynn Primary School, Larne

Gold Award                                      Rosemount Primary School, Derry

Silver Award                                     Ballycraigey Primary School, Antrim

Silver Award                                     Steeple Nursery School, Antrim

Silver Award                                     Victoria Primary School, Carrickfergus

Bronze Award                                   Bridge Integrated Primary School, Banbridge

 Bronze Award                                   Cairnshill Primary School, Belfast