In 1910, the Chilliwack Fair returned but without any school competition and it was not until 1915 when six schools competed that school gardens became a feature. This was the result of a proposal by the Education Department and both the City and rural school boards decided, as a result, to introduce agricultural instruction in the Valley.
In April 1915, illustrated lectures were prepared for parents at various locations in the district. Eventually it was hoped that the "cultivation of school gardens will be made compulsory in the regular curriculum." [Chilliwack Progress March 18, 1915, p.1]. To assist with the development of the program, an agricultural specialist was made available from the Agricultural Science Department.
It may be surprising that the intention of the program was not to teach students, "how to hoe, dig or to pull weeds, or even how to grow vegetables though it may contribute to efficiency in these things." [Chilliwack Progress September 2, 1915. P.1] The purpose was rather an extrapolation of these apparent tasks, "to provide the basis for problems in arithmetic, objects for drawing, subjects for composition and illustrations for history and geography…it provides an opportunity for the development of the faculty of observation, the power to see things definitely, to reach right conclusions with reference to the observations, and to make correct mental notes…to state the right colour, the exact length, the exact shape and position…the spirit of enquiry is encouraged and the drudgery of practical Agriculture is at least partially displaced by a new and intelligent interest in the principles which underline it."
Originally school gardens were located at the various schools until 1925 when the plan was changed and students cultivated their gardens at home. In 1939, under the direction of Neil MacGregor a new program was developed that had senior and junior divisions and points awarded included not only Fair exhibits but, as well, summer inspection marks as well. Vegetables grown included potatoes, parsnips, carrots and beets. Potatoes were eventually dropped due to the need to handle dangerous chemicals and in 1945 replaced by onions. A further change was made when the Fair changed from a September exhibition to August and parsnips and onions were not ready for harvesting. These were replaced, and the garden next incorporated corn, beets, carrots and beans and for seniors the addition of cucumbers.
In 1945, flowers were added to balance the program. Many changes were made to the varieties grown and the seeds were paid for by the School Board. About 1971 seeds were supplied by the East Chilliwack Co-op. At times, seeds for vegetables were supplied by seed companies, the school board and by the students themselves.
Summer inspections necessitated the hiring of someone to physically conduct the two inspections. Each inspection took between seven and ten days and involved much driving. Eventually two teachers were employed on a twelve-month basis to conduct the inspections.
In 2000, school gardens continue to be promoted from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The program's aims include, "to give students hands-on experience to enhance science, math, language arts, drawing, planning and follow-through skills, appreciation and respect of the environment, involvement in a potential future career, and even earn recognition through awards." [Chilliwack Times March 7, 2000, p. 11]