The weather has recently been very challenging for us all here!
As you can see, the temperature on the patio was minus 7 one morning!
As you can see, the temperature on the patio was minus 7 one morning!
The garden however has taken it all in its stride. We brushed the snow off the poly-tunnel which helped to clean any algae off.
We also had to knock the snow from the fruit cage roof to save the netting from ripping. Chilly when it drops down your neck!!
Meanwhile in other news...before the big freeze, we continued to sell produce boxes to staff who "came back for more!" They enjoyed a weekly box and we raised money for the garden so a win-win situation.
We cropped the last of our pumpkins...
...and the S3 class turned it into...
...pumpkin and ginger soup!
We served it ALL to staff at lunch time £1 a cup so thank you to all staff who enjoyed it.
Also this term, the S1 group harvested the last of the potatoes...
...they washed them and cooked some into crisps!
B&Q kindly donated a trailer-load of winter pansies that had been left on the "sale bench" so we have also been re-potting them and planting up some winter baskets.
They also gave us lots of winter vegetables which...
we potted on for a few weeks in the poly-tunnel before planting out into the ground.
The water pipe donated by Ellon Timber helps to protect the veg from the worst of the winter weather
They also gave us lots of winter vegetables which...
we potted on for a few weeks in the poly-tunnel before planting out into the ground.
The water pipe donated by Ellon Timber helps to protect the veg from the worst of the winter weather
In late September, we sowed Yellow Rattle seed into the grassy wildlife area. In spring, this will grow and is semi-parasitic on the grass roots which will weaken the grass giving the other plants more of a chance to get established amongst it.
Strimming and removing the cut grass also gives the seeds a better chance of germinating next Spring
Learning how to strim safely.
Pupils have also been learning to prune plants...
...and propagate. Here we are making hardwood cuttings of Cornus.
We lined two trenches with grit to promote drainage...
...and put the stems deep into it.
We also made root cuttings of hardy geraniums so if they put up shoots we will get plants for free :)
Meanwhile we have been busy planting bulbs into pots and the ground outside
They include crocus, daffodils and tulips.
Raking leaves...
...for the leaf-mold pile...
...treating the new shed extension...
...and building more shelving to go inside the shed
It will keep all the boots tidy. A rail will also keep the boiler suits organised.
Talking of making things, we made origami seed packets to store our seeds and also...
...put into "Gifts for Gardeners" Christmas boxes to sell to staff. Ryan did a marvellous job of presenting them to the staff at break time so they sold well. Each one contained: a pair of gloves, 6 seed packets, 3 packs of our own seeds, 16 plant labels and a pencil, 30m of twine, the all-important tea bag and a chocolate to give energy! Thank you to all those who bought one - you helped us raise £60 for the garden!
We also had a visit from Mr Colin Stirling who is our moderator for the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's "Grow and Learn Award". He enjoyed a visit round the garden and was very impressed with everything achieved so far so well done to everyone and "keep up the good work!"
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL - STAY SAFE AND SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Strimming and removing the cut grass also gives the seeds a better chance of germinating next Spring
Learning how to strim safely.
Pupils have also been learning to prune plants...
...and propagate. Here we are making hardwood cuttings of Cornus.
We lined two trenches with grit to promote drainage...
...and put the stems deep into it.
We also made root cuttings of hardy geraniums so if they put up shoots we will get plants for free :)
Meanwhile we have been busy planting bulbs into pots and the ground outside
They include crocus, daffodils and tulips.
Raking leaves...
...for the leaf-mold pile...
...treating the new shed extension...
...and building more shelving to go inside the shed
It will keep all the boots tidy. A rail will also keep the boiler suits organised.
Talking of making things, we made origami seed packets to store our seeds and also...
...put into "Gifts for Gardeners" Christmas boxes to sell to staff. Ryan did a marvellous job of presenting them to the staff at break time so they sold well. Each one contained: a pair of gloves, 6 seed packets, 3 packs of our own seeds, 16 plant labels and a pencil, 30m of twine, the all-important tea bag and a chocolate to give energy! Thank you to all those who bought one - you helped us raise £60 for the garden!
We also had a visit from Mr Colin Stirling who is our moderator for the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's "Grow and Learn Award". He enjoyed a visit round the garden and was very impressed with everything achieved so far so well done to everyone and "keep up the good work!"
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL - STAY SAFE AND SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
