THE Khawla Secondary Girls School was yesterday declared the overall winner of the Riffa Views Eden Challenge 2009.

The announcement was made at the Riffa Views Eden Challenge Exhibits Stand at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre where the Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show is being held.

It was made by Riffa Views Ambassador for Landscapes and Gardens Chris Beardshaw and show organising committee director Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa.

The school presented a project 'Water Conscious Garden' depicting a range of complex possibilities that a designed landscape can offer.

The design blended water with drought-tolerant plants and synthetic materials to highlight principles and use of water movement and conservation.

"The standard of all the schools' entries this year has been tremendously high and to choose a champion of champions has been incredibly hard," said Mr Beardshaw.

"I am extremely encouraged by the focus that the students placed on environmental issues and delighted that the challenge has inspired the younger generation to consider the importance of their surroundings."

Principal Seham Al Kooheji, students and teachers were present.

The school received a trophy and a cash prize of BD3,000.

Meanwhile, the winner of the Riffa Views' Best Stand award went to Jannusan Exotics, which received a trophy and $5,000 (BD1,890).

The first runner-up was the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry, which received a trophy and $3,000 (BD1,134). The second runner-up was the Riffa Views Farmers Market, which received a trophy and $2,000 (BD756).