Page 65 - Simply Veg 3.21

Welsh Branch
St Tiernans Home Gardens Prize Scheme
There is a long tradition of gardening competitions in the St. Tiernans College, Crossmolina. Over the 40 plus years it was adjudicated by former principal Oliver Bolton and in later years by Ms taylor
and Mr Pat Sweeney. The prizes were always sponsored by VEC now known as MSLETB. It has taken teachers down bye roads and small tracks to gardens that in some cases could only be described as amazing. The links this competition has forged with the community could not be underestimated. Students and their parents
and in some cases, grandparents would be waiting on competition day with rake or hoe in hand doing last minute weeding in preparation for the judging.
Students are judged on growing 12 varieties of vegetables. The marks are awarded based on general appearance
and layout, cleanliness and freedom from weeds as well as exceptional initiative. Inventiness is often excellent. Over the years we as teachers have seen how important this competition is and we hope that it will continue to be a big part of the calendar of
events of our school. The value that students gain from growing anything is so significant and it shows them the result of hard work and dedication. On prize giving day the winners of each prize are always grateful and proud.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to all the brilliant students who have been involved in the past. We look forward to seeing more wonderful gardens soon. Keep on planting and growing.
See Michael Gordon’s article below.
Pat Sweeney
Simply Vegetables 65