An initiative of Mrs. Margaret Fergusson, wife of Governor Mr. George Fergusson, this programme was introduced in 2012 with a goal of promoting gardening, and healthy eating and giving primary school children the opportunity to experience the outdoors while learning some rudimentary horticultural skills. In the beginning, students from Victor Scott, West Pembroke and Northlands Primary schools were chosen due to their schools’ proximity to Government House. Since its inception in 2012, The Garden Club has provided 8-9 volunteer mentors annually to the programme ensuring continuity, particularly following Mrs. Fergusson’s departure from Bermuda in 2016. The programme has continued to flourish under His Excellency Mr. John Rankin’s tenure.
Dellwood Middle School (learning support) and Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy replaced Victor Scott and West Pembroke Primary Schools, and Northlands students partnered with a student from Hope Academy. This year students from Dellwood and Northlands (tbc) will be participating.
Each school group of 8-9 students has a one hour session per week during the school year, starting in October and continuing until May, meeting on Wednesday afternoons. They learn about soil, planting seeds and seedlings, weeding and manage their crops until harvest. The teachers and mentors work together along with invaluable help from the Government House Gardening team in making this programme a truly successful partnership.
The mentors rotate, providing at least two mentors per gardening session. We always welcome interest from prospective mentors, who have an interest in sharing their gardening skills with young people. Although preferred, Garden Club membership is not a prerequisite.
2020
On behalf of the Garden Club of Bermuda, Anna Fulton expressed thanks to the Governor HE John Rankin for supporting the Government House School Kitchen gardening programme and the Skills Development programme.
Become a member
Becoming a member of the Garden Club will provide you with unique opportunities to learn new skills, have some fun and form new friendships with others who share your interests.
