It is hard to believe that it has been almost one month since we first soils of an overgrown plot were tilled. Since then the school has been working hard to enrich the soil with a fresh compost heap ready for planting. The paths were laid down with weed proof bedim and a lovely coating of woodchip applied to this very organic looking key hole garden. With the recent good shower of rain, it was time to start planting our summer vegetable- tomato, onion, spinach, lettuce, cabbage and kale. Before we started planting, a small group of grade 5 and 6 learners agthered together with all the teachers and ground staff for a morning lesson on the fundamentals of permaculture. After going through the principals of Earth Care, People Care and Fair share we then spoke about the importance of a garden key ingredients; good soil and water. Children learnt their importance of compost, companion planting, using mulching to protect the soil and saving, storing, sinking and stoping water from washing away. We also learn it was importance to use natural pest interventions like chillies and marigold instead of pesticides that kills helpful predators. A wonderful lesson finished up with an hour of mass planting- everyone cheerly helped despite the extremely hot weather. Lucky for the responsible children who have continued to water and nature the plant, the garden is really taking form. We look forward to the next instalment.