Our garden is not just for our school, it is also used for the local community. We grow vegetables, herbs and fruit and we also have a salad bank. I like the garden because it is fun to go outside and get stuck in!
Geoff, Former Head of the Garden Committee, 6th class
How it all began…..
We collaborated with the children to make a plan for our outdoor space about six years ago. As you can see, we are well on our way!
We have an outdoor classroom, school garden and polytunnel with lots of bright and welcoming artwork on display. We are looking to get involved with a Forest School initiative soon so watch this space!
Paddy Madden visit:
Paddy Madden came to visit our school as part of the Heritage in Schools scheme. He took all the children outside in groups and looked at different aspects of nature in our school grounds.
We looked at the Rowan and Sycamore trees and their seeds. We planted mustard seeds and cress. Paddy was full of praise for our beautiful school grounds and garden!
Autumn in the garden:
Fifth class dug up flowers that have died and saved the seeds. We will plant these at the end of September and they will flower in June.
We cleared out the polytunnel and will plant peas and broad beans in there for over the winter.
The garden committee are hard at work again, getting our beds ready for a new year of planting! We get advice from this great website: http://www.schoolearthed.ie
Our beautiful wildflowers:
The children saved wildflower seeds last year, and we sowed these in our front garden. We have calendula, poppies, sunflowers, corn marigolds, corn cockles and cornflowers. We see lots of pollinating insects at the flowers each day. Thanks you Harry for building our lovely garden beds and benches!
Free ‘Heritage in schools’ tutorials!
The Heritage Council, is offering FREE, fun and educational tutorials online for primary school children, their parents and teachers. The resources are designed to inspire and develop an appreciation and curiosity about Ireland’s wonderful natural and cultural heritage whilst supporting the aims and objectives of the SESE curriculum. Click HERE for more information.
Dr Paddy Madden was meant to come to our school in March to plant a native hedgerow, but he had to cancel because of lock down. We will ask him to visit next year!