June 10, 2008, Multiply, what is a herb 2

Following on from ‘What is a herb?’

That blog was a prelude to creating a very small herb garden just outside the front entrance to the school. Sure I have mentioned, possibly more than once, that I do ‘stuff’ for Eco-schools at my work and this proposed herb garden is one of the more recent Eco-Schools projects.

Last week I took 4 girls to a very nice family run garden centre, actually more like an old fashioned nursery. They seemed to have fun, looking at all the different plants, trying out the garden furniture and generally making the most of the classroom reprieve. We chose bird boxes, butterfly boxes and bird baths for our woodland project and bought quite a few herbs for our new herb garden. I picked up a few more bits over the weekend, some small trowels and forks and another couple of plants. The piece of land allocated to us for the herb garden is quite small and it was very overgrown, but I managed to find an experienced gardener volunteer who has agreed to oversee the project. He spent an hour or so digging it over last week and then came by yesterday to give it a final turn and fork in some very stinky chicken manure.

Tomorrow we are going out as soon as registration is over and getting these herbs into the ground. I’m amazed at how many pupils have volunteered for the gardening projects. To be honest I’m not convinced that any of them understand the importance of what we’re doing, they just like the idea of time away from classes, but that’s a start I guess. I haven’t told them I expect a little research on the herb THEY put into the ground, just a few words for our notice board; I’ll tell them that tomorrow after planting.  

These pictures are of the land before cultivation, the land after digging and the herbs all ready to get planted tomorrow.

Tags: scotland, arbroath, plants, herbs, eco-schools

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delete reply djdx wrote on Nov 21, '08 Great job, having just seen your recent entry. I think they instinctively realize we need balance (between physical, mental and spiritual) and hands-on with the earth activities.

delete reply seanymph3 wrote on Jun 12, '08 Dont over water or over fertilize......remember...herbs are basically weeds. They will grow almost anywhere. A few like basil and parsley might need more water but most dont need much else. :)

delete reply sarcasmcafe wrote on Jun 10, '08 Oh what a terrific idea - and to get the involvement of the students too. :) Even if it is done in a little deviant fashion! ;) Best, ~v.v.

delete reply veroniquemariquita wrote on Jun 10, '08 A nice assortment of herbs. I wish more people would try to get the younger ones interested in gardening.

delete reply edtrain5 wrote on Jun 10, '08 how wicked of you to tell them, "Oh, by the way.... you will be required to research the herb you planted and tell us what you learned.. "..... you are an "evil" woman... LOL!! :-))))) it DOES sound like a lot of fun...

delete reply greenwytch wrote on Jun 10, '08 wow, what a wonderful project! i know you are already having alot of fun. i'm sure everyone will learn lots of things. happy planting. ; D

delete reply starfishred wrote on Jun 10, '08 A very nice project and good for the girls and maybe they will remember some of it later on.