The School Garden Page

PIPS:

¾ have just completed their third unit in their Permaculture In Primary School sessions, “obtain a yield.” Some of the ways we have looked at this is through storytelling, caring for worm farms to produce worm juice and worm castings, very important elements in our organic garden. The “Foodies” activities continue to inspire us all!  Students have made tabbouleh and pita bread for their whole class as the garden currently provides us with generous amounts of herbs and cucumbers.

CHANGE OF SEASON:

April is Waring season on the Wadawurrung calendar and students have noticed many changes:

• The days are cooler and shorter daylight hours
• We have planted out our autumn vegetables to be ready by winter
• The male brown tree frog has been “calling” loudly
• The yellow ladybird has been working hard to clean up powdery mildew from the last of the zucchini and cucumber leaves
• The Moonah’s have now finished flowering

GREENHOUSE

The greenhouse produced the loveliest and sweetest Stars and Moon melon, and this was shared with Mrs. Rogans G1 class, it’s wonderful to be able to grow food in the greenhouse, even when the weather has cooled.

SEEDLINGS

There are many seedlings available for purchase, ready to plant out now. Plenty of kale, beetroot, parsnip, broccoli, peas and stir fry greens. Seedlings are $2 per punnet, or pot and monies go back into the garden.

CHICKENS

Our chickens have settled in really well and are enjoying their new large coop to scratch around in. Classes are learning about chicken care, animal respect and enjoying interacting with the girls in “Cluckingham Palace.” A massive thankyou to all the parent, student and community volunteers who worked very hard over the holidays extending our chicken coop and even collecting our new chickens! A brilliant effort by everyone involved and our school is very appreciative!

WORKING BEES