DAY 1
After an introductory game and safety discussion in the poly-tunnel, work started. Groups took on tasks and rotated throughout the day. Everyone worked really hard to achieve an amazing amount.
Jobs included:
1) Forming a "chain-gang" to move lots of building material in order for the space to be cleared...
...a great example of teamwork!
Later in the day wheelbarrows helped to move heavy items...
...and this was the result!
2) Painting the shed
A second coat gives it much better colour...
...and coveralls kept Mrs Cameron's team's clothes clean!
With so many working on it, the whole shed was done.
3)Making paper pots
These were then used to sow seeds - peas and pumpkins.
4) Refining the edge of the trench to give it a straight edge...
ready for fixing rabbit wire to it.
Soon, they were ready for the wire...
...so everyone helped to unroll it and lift it into place against the fence.
Meanwhile Mrs Dilworth's team worked really hard back-filling the fence we set up last week.
Miron worked with Mr Richardson to erect more fence posts
DAY 2
We started in the classroom with an interesting weather forecast and short talk from Mr Reece on Salix (Willow) and Yew - both interesting plants illustrating how substances derived from plants can benefit us e.g. willow giving us aspirin and yew helping to treat cancer. We then moved to the garden.
We formed a circle and focused our attention before work, by playing a "who's our leader?" game. Miss Swallow read a short quote by John Geddes "By the leaf we live" then it was time to get working again!
Archie and Mr Richardson continued the fence woodwork.
Euan found a “daddy-longlegs” chrysalis in the soil.
The “wheelbarrow” gang used trugs today to move an entire builder’s bag of gravel – a sterling effort!
The “fence wire” team filled in the trench along the back fence.
At break time, Mrs Russell and Miss Swallow drove to the council depot to collect an old tractor tyre...
...it was filled with soil...
...and later in the day it was planted up with the rhubarb plants.
Miron and Ross helped Mrs Cameron and Mrs Dilworth plant the donated trees near the fence.
We thought they would look good with a seat between them in future.
During lunch, Miron photographed some of the insects in the poly-tunnel...
...and drilled holes into some blocks of wood to start making a bug hotel.
Can you see which one says “Hi” ?
Work continued apace after lunch.
...shed painting...
...more key words...
...and a large team was coordinated to carry two heavy picnic benches into the garden!
Dr Cruickshank ensured it was lined up perfectly!
Liam gave Sam (one of the janitors) a demo of the RIDAN
He turned the handle...
...and she took a turn as well!
Mrs Murray helped Mr Richardson with more fence posts
They took turns with the hammers!
DAY 3
We started the day with another weather forecast from Mr Reece and a slide show of some topiary (bushes pruned into amazing shapes) and bonsai plants (plants kept small – like a forest of pine trees in a tiny pot!)
The lashing is difficult at first to get the hang of!
Miron and Dr Cruickshank used a staple gun to fix rabbit wire to the wooden fence.
Luke and Mr Richardson continue with the woodwork.
A large group dismantled the willow pile.
They sorted it into different thicknesses to store for various purposes...
... and made some habitat piles in the trees outside the garden with the left over pieces.
The boys needed more pots so Mrs Cudak, Euan and Hope stepped forward to help make some more.
After lunch it was time for one last push! Hope took over painting key words on the shed.
A large group filled in the trench along the wooden fence.
A huge THANK YOU to all those involved – this is now your garden so feel free to visit and help work in the garden in future! I hope that we will soon have it ready for class bookings so staff and pupils can use the facility during the school day for Teaching and Learning in this outdoor setting!
