We have entered the show garden competition at the South of England Show on five separate occasions and we have won four times (in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011) which is an outstanding achievement for a 11 – 16 secondary school.
Read more about our winning entires below:
‘A Guiding Hand’
South of England Show 2011 – ‘A Guiding Hand Garden’ by Oathall wins first place
The design aims to symbolically represent the nurturing and supporting hand that is given to young people by their parents, teachers and many others as they make their journey through life.
Our hope is that this nurturing garden provides a safe haven for young people; a place to sit and enjoy, a place to relax and reflect, but most of all a place to feel a sense of reassurance, a Guiding hand from those around us who care.
Magic Numbers Garden 2009
South of England Show 2009 – Magic Numbers Garden by Oathall wins first place
The central feature of our garden is the spiralling path, taking inspiration from the work of Fibonacci, a mathematician studied at college in year 8. He noticed that a sequence of numbers play a significant role in nature. The Fibonacci number sequence is worked out by starting with 1 and then adding the last two numbers to make the next. The numbers translate into a spiral which is reflected in planting patterns, shapes, artwork and the overall design.
The planting aims to provide a habitat attractive to birds, butterflies and bees, whilst colours textures and shapes demonstrate the diversity of nature. The design combines visual and sensory appeal with practical elements. Herbs are densely planted and incorporated alongside the ornamental shrubs and trees.
The garden aims to reconnect young people with their everyday environment and hopefully take inspiration from the wide diversity that it has to offer. Many people have become disengaged from the simple magic of an organic, home grown garden, often needing inspiration from much further afield. The stimulus of T.V. and a faraway exotic location is required to capture their imagination.
In the winning ‘Look Within’ design
South of England Show 2008 – Look Within Garden by Oathall wins first place
This garden has been designed so that it can be appreciated from both the outside and also more importantly be seen through the window openings and trellis. The aim has been to create a good, attractive first impression, but demands that you have to look within to fully appreciate the whole garden.
Most of us place too much importance on the external appearance of an individual, neglecting the hidden qualities within. The planting on the outside is represented as being less permanent, reflecting someone`s looks, with more annual planting symbolically used within the planting design.
On the inside, the linking of more personal qualities is made with the dominance of more structured, evergreen planting to create a more permanent feel. These qualities and values should take on a greater significance and encourage individuals to look deeper and look within to fully appreciate the real person.
Winners in the Pathway Garden
South of England Show 2007 – Pathway Garden by Oathall wins first place
A modern, contemporary style to appeal to younger users, with seating placed around a central circular decking area. Children can come and talk freely about emotions and feelings within a non- threatening, safe, environment. Visitors are guided in a no blame approach, led by a peer mediator or teacher, aiming to resolve conflict and friendship concerns.
The colour theme of both the planters and planting, symbolically match the emotional feelings of students as they enter the garden. At the entrance we see hot colours/emotions, leading to a cooler, calmer feel. A pathway through the garden allows students to go on an emotional journey that culminates in a pebble being symbolically left in the shallow pool on exit. This gesture signifies to everyone that the friendship issues have been resolved and are left behind in the pool of the garden.
Wooden sculptures have written texts that make reference to meanings, helping to provide a visual reference to the importance of friends. The Pathway Garden is a valuable school resource that makes students become more understanding of one another, ensuring a happy and healthy school community.
