This is a blog I started before Christmas, but dimply didn't finish. After reading it back, it was nice to see what the children had achieved and now its wonderful to be able to look to this new year and the plans we have for them.
But here's a recap!
So it's finally here! The cold, dark nights have crept in very quickly and with it the beautiful color of the flowers has made way to bare trees and the odd frosty cyclamens. It's a time to reflect on what we have achieved and also the short space of time that we have achieved it in.
So when did our adventure start? And what started it off?
It started back in January - with the cold, wet and miserable school run. Our school is a wonderful example of 70's architecture and vision that seemed so workable and attractive back then. 40+ years on and what you find yourself looking at is a building which didn't really have character incorporated into its design. There isn't really very much you can do to a building, but if you look out of the box there are other ways to change the look of things.
I'm sure you've all read about the poor brick planter that seemed loved and unkempt - that was where it started. With the kind and generous sponsorship from Leah van Zyl and Rachel le Molegue, we were able to plant it up with geraniums and bulbs simply to make it look nice. As a team of us organically came together we found ourselves looking at what else could be done to make the school a prettier place. Over the February half term we had lots more donations of bricks, decking, shingle, paint, soil and many other basic gardening items that simply got the ball rolling. The list of 'bright' projects was endless. Planters full of flowers and tyre animals and minions to greet the children. The side of the school had a muddy area which we changed into a courtyard area with seating for the children and teachers to use. In the reception area they grew strawberries and we laid an artificial grass area for them to play on. We were also able to source the wood that was beautifully made into new outside play tables for them. Lots of weeding and lots of planting gave the school a feeling of being loved again. The children became very much involved. They learnt about planting and about the plants they were using. They sewed seeds and became very proud of the areas that they were given to watch over.
Our achievements outside of school were pretty amazing as well. The children's entered into the RHS scarecrow competition. their scarecrow was a finalist at the Hampton Court Flower Show. Alas, they didn't win, but it was an amazing journey that really had them hooked by gardening, plants and creating.
The next competition is a Christmas tree decoration one at RHS Wisley. This time they were one of ten finalists. .
Then it was time to pack up for the winter. Instead of gardening club we will have arts and crafts club. A fun, indoors, time to keep their imaginations going. Sock puppets and wind chimes are all on our list.
But what does spring bring ....other than rain!
So gardening club will start again. With the new blossom and blooming bulbs our little gardeners can get back outside and and start growing again.
Having spoken with the children, what they really want to do is to grow vegetables.....and then have competitions to see which class,club or year can do the best.
Our plans will evolve i'm sure over the next few months and now the blog is back, we will continue to tell you about our adventure.
Just a few clues from our 'to do' list :)
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