The School Garden Page

PIPS

¾ have now completed their fourth unit in their Permaculture In Primary School sessions, “Use and Value Renewable Resources” and have started on unit five, “Produce No Waste.” Students have looked at this through the lens of water, the Barwon River, river banks, trees, platypus and the cultural and spiritual significance of the waterways to the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar traditional owners. This term the “Foodies” have created a broad range of food to share with their class: The “Foodies” activities continue to inspire us all!  Students have made a large range of fun, fresh, nutrient rich food for their whole class: pizza wraps, pumpkin scones, rainbow rice paper rolls, beetroot & sweet potato pastries and old fashioned bubble & squeak with mint chutney. This wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing hands-on support of family and community volunteers, thank you!

Change of Season

Waring season continues to the end of July in the Wadawurrung calendar and students have noticed many changes:

• We have passed the winter solstice and days will become longer
• The herbs are growing well, we value our herbs, as we use a lot of herbs in our cooking activites
• We have noticed that the compost worms have slowed down eating, as they hibernate in winter

The deciduous trees have shed most of their leaves as they enter their winter dormancy

The Greenhouse

The greenhouse now has an automated watering system thanks to a successful grant from Barwon Water. The Edible Space will also soon have a watering system as a part of this grant. Many thanks to Margaret Griffith for grant writing.

The Seedling Stall

Seedlings have continued to be popular with families, community and visitors. You will have noticed the new seedling stall against the library wall, this is a very welcome addition, thanks to Lucy Coventry and Pete Wilson for collaborating with the Ocean Grove Mens Shed. The “men” measured, built, painted and delivered the new stall to school. The Seedling Stall is the major fundraiser to support the sustainability of the beautiful outdoor learning space, Edible Garden and provides local seedlings to community. We are grateful for this wonderful community connection.

Chickens

The girls in Cluckingham Palace continue to work hard as highly effective composters. Our chickens are young, and we expect that they will begin laying eggs once the weather warms up. While their antics of “flying the coop” keeps us entertained, it’s more important that they are safely inside the coop. Thanks for wing clipping John, Adam and Lucy.

Tuesday after school gardening

We will resume gathering in the garden 3.15 – 4.30 on the first Tuesday of Term 3.