Spring is here!

Spring is finally here, and with the warmer, sunny weather, the garden is growing well.

The Garden Grows

Potting Up

Onions as thick as hairs on a cat

Grade 5/6 weeding their bed

Re-planting cereal crops after destruction by birds

Grade 2 hoeing the garden

Grade 1 erects wire for climbing peas

Along with garden maintenance tasks, some of the parents and garden committee have been building the fence. Other major works at present are construction of learning areas, planting the fruit trees and work on water features.

Much work has been done to make sure the garden is ready for its opening next Friday, and visits by local dignitaries. Bret Flood, of Conmel Cottage will be talking to the teachers and parents about vegetables and gardening in general.

Unfortunately, Sally Wise, who had been coming to open the garden is unable to attend due to ill health, so we will have her visit later.

The hard work of the committee and students is certainly beginning to pay off, with the seedlings growing. We will report on the opening (and the afternoon tea) in the next post, along with photos.

The First Post!

This blog was created to follow the progress of the St Patrick's Primary School Kitchen garden project in Latrobe, Tasmania.

We received a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging to assist with set up costs for the garden and upgrading the canteen facilities to encourage our children to enjoy growing organic food and to learn how to cook and eat the produce they grow.

Latrobe is a rural town, not far from Devonport, Tasmania on the North-West Coast of the island. It enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, and farms in the areas grow an enormous range of produce.

Currently, the plans for the garden have been drawn up, planning for the site is well underway, and organic soil is being delivered to fill garden beds. We are planning a working bee to undertake construction of the beds, drainage and fences.

We are also examining plans for a worm farm and for composting, a growing and planting plan and linkages between curriculum, the garden and the kitchen.

Photos will be posted soon, and this blog will document progress towards a healthier lifestyle for our kids.