the minds of the Hamilton Lions.

And Mel Bartholomew, an author and former television show host, also urged the group last Wednesday to support his efforts of introducing the concept to the Island's schools.

"My aim is to give a square-foot garden box to every interested school in Bermuda,'' Mr. Bartholomew, of New York, told the Lions during their weekly luncheon at the Pier Six nightclub on Front Street.

"Square-foot gardens can provide a means and method for school children and their families to take pride in and beautify their school, neighbourhood, and home.'' He added: "This is a quality, wholesome, family or school activity that often becomes a lifelong hobby bringing joy and peace of mind to many.'' Square-foot gardening is a method Mr. Bartholomew invented while trying to learn gardening as a hobby 15 years ago.

Mr. Bartholomew said a square-foot garden usually measures four feet by four feet, or three feet by three feet for children.

It is bordered by wood, nailed together, and filled with soil before being divided into square feet. Each square foot section is then planted with a different crop.