Scoil Aban Naofa and Mitchestown CBS are best small Gardens

Everyone helps out in Scoil Aban Naofa's garden when needed but it is mostly a group from 3rd & 4th class who have done the majority of the work this year – in particular Darragh, Dermot, Fiona and Máire. Along with Múinteoir Siobhán Ní Luasa, they do a great job in the garden. This year, they were very lucky to have the help of two local men – Michael O Callaghan and Noely Healy. They made the little hen house, the ‘insect hotel’ and did a lot of colourful painting around the garden. Also, Múinteoir Nóirín was involved in the garden this year and helped them to design and create our ‘Peace Pole’.
Their garden is an established garden which they have been growing and developing over the past few years. Over the past number of years they have developed many aspects of the garden and its surrounding areas. They have done a lot of planting and growing of fruits, veg, herbs and flowers in the main section of the garden at the side of the school. They have planted around the main entrance to the school. They have designed murals on 3 sections of the school walls in the yard which really add to the vitality of the school yard.
This garden has really developed since they started entering the Schools Garden competition.

At Mitchelstown CBS Mr. Carey and the boys from 4th class decided they were tired of looking out at the bleak untidy area. It was time to get to work, cleaning, painting and planting. They were going to need help! They painted the boxes they had since last year. They added some fresh compost and planted some vegetables. They added a few extra items to plant. They included some seating so the garden could be enjoyed by all. This wasn’t a task they could do on our own. Brendan the school caretaker helped them with some of the woodwork, they also got some help with the wall art from Dace Kaulakane who’s son Leon is in 1st Class. Ms. Dunne painted the signs. and Mr. Cahill did the drilling. All in all this was a collaborative effort between parents Teachers and Pupils well done to all.