School Gardening
Report by Bob Tanner, Arundel Tree Warden
For several years I have been helping schoolchildren at St Philips RC primary school with their Gardening Club. Together with fellow AGA member Geoff Allen, we have seen countless children from the various age groups on a Wednesday afternoon during term times.
At the rear of the school, a three-tiered garden was built comprising a raised, three bed growing area; a peace garden and beautiful pond in the lowest third.
Activities have included planting out bedding plants and soft fruit, sowing seeds, inevitable weeding and putting tree seeds in pots in the autumn. We have also obtained a few hedgerow trees which are in the peace garden and now three metres tall. Raking out surplus pond weed is always a fun event.
About four years ago we helped the children plant a dozen young Lime trees in the school grounds. Records were kept of the name, or names, of the children who planted each tree with the idea that those children could follow the tree to mutual maturity. The longer term aim is to replant the trees, when large enough, in spaces along the avenue of Lime trees on Mill Road. The first of the trees are being moved to Mill Road this winter.
In addition, the children are helped with seasonal planting in the several pots and planters around the school buildings.
At Arundel Church of England (ACE) primary school, AGA member Theresa Dear has been organizing gardening activities on a weekly basis in term time with the help of other AGA volunteers. There is a lovely Peace Garden as well as various planted areas, containers and pots.
As at St Philips, about four years ago we helped the children plant a dozen young Lime trees in the school grounds. Records were kept of the name, or names, of the children who planted each tree with the idea that those children could follow the tree to mutual maturity. The longer term aim is to replant the trees, when large enough, in spaces along the avenue of Lime trees on Mill Road. The first of the trees are being moved to Mill Road this winter.
In the winter of 21/22, ACE school kindly offered to accommodate the Arundel Tree Nursery on part of their large playing field. With my Arundel Tree Warden hat on and, together with a few others, we built a rabbit-proof enclosure which now contains about ninety young trees, including the Lime trees which had to be moved as a new classroom was being built.
ACE schoolchildren are increasingly taking an interest in the Tree Nursery.
Today’s schoolchildren are tomorrow’s gardeners so it is important to do as much as possible to help them understand gardening. Today’s busy parents do not always have enough time or interest in teaching their kids gardening and teachers are also busy with other priorities on the school’s curriculum.
I believe the Arundel Gardens Association has an important role to play and more members should be encouraged to get involved in this worthwhile activity. Passing the DBS check is a prerequisite.
If you would like to get involved, please email Bob via bobtanner1809@gmail.com.
Arundel Flower and Produce Show
At the annual Flower and Produce Show, there are classes for childrens’s paintings. Both schools willingly participate and groups of children visit the Priory Road allotments looking for inspiration for their garden-themed paintings. Winning entries are displayed on Show day.