In the past few weeks Class One have added some new fruit trees to the orchard.  A plum called 'President' evoked some timely comments over whether the tree would be called 'Mr Trump' or 'Mr Biden'.  Two fig trees were also planted and an avocado now stands in between a mulberry and a macadamia.  A future food forest in the making.

Class Two wove some beautiful patterns into trellis framing that now adorns the main vegetable patch.  They are growing several different kinds of running beans that will be both eaten fresh and harvested dry for soups and Mexican style dishes in 2021.

Class Three have embarked on their building project.  With the assistance of Leif Lebbing, we are building a pond outside the new administration building.  The class have learnt to lay a foundation and then bricks over an old tree stump.  They will then render the pond, and we hope to see many of the 'school' birds visit for a drink and a splash over the hot summer months to come.  The walls of the pond will then be the backdrop for mosaic tiles that Class Six have been diligently working on.

Class Four continue to work hard in the gardens, and display great team work.  They have planted out our summer cucurbit crops of pumpkins, cucumbers, rock-melons and watermelons.  These will be ready to harvest when the children return to school next year.  The class recently relished a dish of roasted Florence fennel.  Class Four have also learnt about soft and hard-wood cuttings, and have successfully propagated rosemary, lavender and thyme for the new office garden.

Class Five are very close to finishing their main lesson in Botany, and have explored many ways of using kale, from chips to juice and stir-fries.  This has been an important lesson in the cycle of gardening, from planting, weeding, feeding, harvesting and then back again.

If any parents or guardians are keen to help in the gardens over the holidays (as kike doesn't take a break!), please feel free to text me on 0456 229 124.  I will be in the gardens most Wednesdays from early in the morning until about 11am.  The exception will be the week between Christmas and New Year.

Happy Gardening and a safe and Merry Christmas to all.

Neal