Garden grants for schools

Each of the winning schools will receive $2000 in prize money from the proceeds of the popular Farmlands Ladies' Nights.

This is the third year Rural Women New Zealand and Farmlands have given grants to North Island rural schools.

In the first year over 120 entries were received for funding to erect shade sails in school playgrounds. Last year Rural Women New Zealand and Farmlands presented cheques for road safety initiatives to schools in Ruatoki, Matakohe, Elstow, Manakau and Kai Iwi.

At the October Farmlands Ladies' Nights events, 'cuddly cook' Annabelle White will be touring the North Island for fun-filled evenings of cooking tips peppered with humorous quips.

Rural Women NZ national president, Liz Evans, says, "We're delighted to be able to partner with Farmlands once again to give away gardening grants from funds raised at these events.

"There's a magic about planting seeds and growing your own fruit and veges. We're keen to encourage children to learn the skills for what can become an enjoyable hobby and a way of providing healthy food for families."

The $2000 'Grow Your Own' grants can be used to set up, or further develop, a rural school garden or orchard.

The winning schools will also receive a copy of A Good Harvest – Recipes from the Gardens of Rural Women New Zealand, as well as gardening equipment, soil nutrients and seeds.

Dates for the Farmlands Ladies Nights and application forms for the 'Grow Your Own' North Island rural school gardening grants can be found at www.ruralwomen.org.nz.