In Togher the garden committee (pictured above) consists of eight students from 3rd to 6th class, and teacher, Ms. O’Shea as well as Pat their very helpful caretaker, This is the second year for most of the students to give them a chance to practice some of what they learned last year. A new committee will be selected next year. Everyone enjoys being on the committee and they feel it is fun to get their hands dirty and to see things grow. Every class is assigned a particular vegetable to grow, and is given the area in which to grow it (to make sure we are rotating their crops). The Girls tell us 'While this is good as it allows every class to be involved, it can be difficult to manage. We must make sure there is enough compost there for classes to start off their seeds, and we must make clear labels for the garden so that each class knows exactly where to plant out their seedlings'
In the School of the Divine Child they have selected different garden spaces around the school. • the Junior classes are working a creating a mixed garden with particular emphasis on colour, simplicity and a fun place to explore..
• The Middle classes are concentrating on innovation and creativity using a wide range of colour, recycled materials and lots of hard work. Students will also use their art/craft work to enhance this garden space and create a seascape effect.
• Senior 1. are developing their little sensory garden space, with lots of herbs, a place where you will experience all the senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste. They will also have a few surprises in store for the judges They will also grow some vegetables ,carrots , lettuce, turnips etc. in their raised beds.
• Senior 2. explore the theme of 1916. They will create a special wall in honour of our 1916 heroes. Build a model of the GPO in the aftermath of the Easter Rising and compile a booklet ‘A Century of Changes ‘Now and Then’
• Home Economics group are being very practical with their edible garden raised bed. At the moment they have potatoes, carrots, lettuce, strawberries, peas and rhuburb. They also have a compost bin, recycle bin, and now we have a water butt installed as part of our water conservation.
• The whole school is actively involved in the Gardening Project. • It is co-ordinated by Mary O’Hanlon