Rain, Rain GO AWAY

We are entering yet another wet week up here in the "Winterless North" and the temperature is not too tropical either! In between downpours the children have been managing to get out in the gardens to do some mulching but primarily we have been focussing on getting our seeds planted. Last week the children planted a heap of Koanga Heritage seedlings and they are nice and snuggly in our new greenhouse.

 Today they planted McGregor's Giant Sunflower seeds and they are happy in the Recycled Bottle Hothouse.

 Earlier last week in a break in the weather Anita and Sofia planted some flowers for our bees which happens to fit in with our garden plan (see below). Our local Bee Keeping Association kindly donated some Bee-Friendly plants to Opua School and we knew the perfect place for them! The chickens were very interested in what the girl's were up to and were trying to get the grubs and worms while they were digging!

Today it was Jeremy and Reuben's turn to get into the garden. They did a great job spreading out the                      TUI VEGETABLE MIX 

The garden has had two weeks of rest after the mustard seed and Lucerne was dug in and then the whole area was mulched so it is a perfect time to incorporate the vege mix. 

They also had a great (and messy) time getting more seeds into little pots. It is an idea that we sell spare seedlings to community members at our local markets, watch this space! 

New Greenhouse!

Earlier in the year Mrs Young applied for a Northland Regional Council Environmental Curriculum Award Grant - phew! The council was very kind and awarded us some money to purchase a greenhouse! The team at HUNKIN GARDEN PRODUCTS were very helpful and provided us with a wonderful new greenhouse and shelving. One of the aims for this year is to increase the children's knowledge about propagating their own seeds. After summer's harvest the children saved seeds from various plants that we let go to seed for this very reason. We will also be looking into propagating native plants and trees!

As we do not have much land to play with it was decided to 'plant' the greenhouse on the east facing bank where it is warm and handy to water. Denny and Adrian dug the footing into the side of the hill and began the thoroughly enjoyable task of erecting the kit-set greenhouse. Only folk who have put together a kit-set (shed/furniture etc) before can genuinely understand what a joyous, delightful, calming and rewarding task this is. Actually, I think we were lucky it didn't end up being hiffed DOWN the hill several times.                             Well done boys!

The finished product - Lovely.

Week 1

Our garden plan for 2012 
(Click on pic to enlarge)

Sophia and Trey have collated everyone's ideas and drawn up this plan.

They have kept in mind our bees and chickens and have utilised our existing space for conventional plantings.

These particular vegetables have been chosen as they like our climate, are popular for all to eat and most are continuous harvesting, which the children learnt about last year.

New plans are afoot however and there are wonderful ideas for wild and wacky new planting areas.

The children are really looking forward to spring/summer, we are ALL looking forward to warmer weather!

Welcome to our Blog.

"Trees might be worth a try so I say let it grow."
"Let it grow. You can't reap what you can't sow."