The weather has been up and down but GrowClub members have been steadfast in their commitment to growing and learning all about a wide range of plants both decorative and beneficial to health.
Friday 22 May saw the second Plant Sale held in the Lime Kiln Garden. Mrs Moylan ably supported by Bea (UIV) oversaw the sale of a range of plants all sown and grown organically on site. Nicotiana, cosmos, cherry tomatoes, sunflowers, courgette, and strawflowers were all on sale making a total of £115 which will go back into this self-sustaining club. Our thanks to colleagues, pupils and parents who supported this event.
Meanwhile in the Platinum Jubilee Garden, leeks, radish, squash, strawberries, herbs of all kinds and carrots are coming on well. The GrowClub members are looking forward to making jams from the frozen berries and rhubarb harvested throughout the season. Our compost bin is filling up nicely ready to nourish future crops. Meanwhile the self-seeding borage, fennel and lavender are enjoying the best of the weather and running riot!
On Friday 5 June, we were lucky enough to go to Bowood Gardens for our annual GrowClub outing. Gina Read, Educational Visits and Community Coordinator at Bowood, delighted us with a wonderful tour of the Walled Garden and Vegetable Garden focussing on ‘Powerful plants: help or harm?’ We learned about a number of common and unusual plants that hold medicinal properties as well as those that have deadly consequences if ingested!
We were also lucky enough to step inside the 18-century glasshouse where the historic and sprawling Bowood Muscat D’Alexandrie grape variety is grown.
The pupils’ interest was piqued by the ‘extra-terrestrial’ artichoke plants, the sensory garden, gorgeous wildflower borders and the methods used for deterring the pesky hares from eating the produce.
Below a few quotes taken from the girls’ feedback on the day:
‘The smells, touch and taste were really interesting. I would like to know more about how to dye yarn and how the colours work.’
‘My favourite plant was the delphinium because it has gorgeous electric blues and purples – they were really glowing!’
‘The pelargonium smelled like sherbet lemon! Lemon is one of my favourite scents!’
‘I’m really looking forward to going back!’
‘I’d like to know more about the history of different plants’
‘I loved today as it was very educational, fun and I learned lots of new and interesting facts.’
‘I loved learning about what plants can do!’
‘My favourite plant was the foxglove as the purple colours were so pretty but they are deathly poisonous but medicinal as well – fascinating!’
As we look ahead to the summer and autumn, we will be applying for the next level in the RHS School Gardening Awards (Level 3) turning our minds to the planning and creation of a Dyer’s Garden combining nature with science and art for future generations of pupils.
With thanks to Grace, Heather, Rita, Rihanna, Matilda, Charlotte, Kate and Amelia (all MIV); Poppy and Bea (UIV) for a fantastic year of growing and learning together.
Mrs Leonie Moylan, Head of MFL and GrowClub Co-ordinator
