Harvest Time

Food Ready

The final week in the garden for the term and it was a time for reflection and celebration for a busy and rewarding first term. The older students have done a great job of putting together their presentations on the garden using the i movie software on their iPads. Although I get a little stressed having iPads wondering through the garden in the hands of enthusiastic kids, the way the students can put together really professional and engaging presentations in such a short time, while really enjoying the experience, is a huge plus. 

We had short presentations focusing on the lasagne no dig method, on different plants we have propagated or sown, and on the methods used to create paper propagation pots. Great narration, some lovely music and informative titles led to some great results.

The Kindy classed observed different plants within the garden and then learnt how to carefully harvest some leafy greens to create a simple green salad. Early next term will be the time to really harvest these greens but it was worth allowing the youngest children in the school to celebrate their last day in the garden for the term with some fresh food! We looked at the different leaf types and different flavours, from a Cos lettuce to the Mazuni green, which has a lovely peppery flavour and a real kick. The children were encouraged to give everything a try and most really got into trying some things they had never eaten before. It was fantastic to see the enjoyment they had with what will most likely be our simplest 'meal' from the garden. 

So we take a breath over the two week break. We have parent help to water, I'll be getting into some more landscaping to set up the composting area and some more garden beds, and researching on signage an garden art. There is also a rumour that we will be in for some decent rain.

Great for the garden, not so great for our family camping trip!

Harvesting

Freshly picked food