The New School Garden

Our students are always keen to put forward their original ideas for the development of the school. Recently, students have requested a school garden or allotment in which wildlife can thrive and vegetables are grown in a calm and peaceful environment away from the busyness of the school day. Not only would this support the move towards gaining Eco-Schools status for St Mary’s, but would also sustain the Christian ethos of the school in providing a place for quiet prayer or reflection.

Members of lower school who put forward this suggestion met to develop their ideas further, resulting in many good ideas being presented. They considered four main factors essential in the construction and maintenance of the garden.

Why do we want a garden/allotment?

The main conclusion pupils agreed on was that our school should be more eco-friendly.  A  garden would educate  pupils  through observing the biological process at work and a designated area for vegetation would make the school a “greener place”. Furthermore, it was thought that a garden would be the ideal location to give pupils time to themselves to relax.

What do we want in the garden?

Many vegetables were suggested, ranging from carrots and leeks to runner beans and potatoes. Hedgehog and bird boxes were thought to support local wildlife. Benches and memorials were another strongly requested inclusion, to contribute to the feeling of a “peace garden”. Sensory plants and flowers would add to the calming nature the garden would develop.

How will we run the garden?

A new gardening club was suggested as being the primary leaders of the maintenance of the garden, consisting of enthusiastic volunteers. Forms could also work on a rota basis to contribute to its upkeep.

How will we use what we produce from it?

The resounding suggestion for the produced vegetables was to donate them to the local Pathways centre. Selling produce within school or at school fairs was also a key theme.

The allocated site for the garden is a 12x12 metre square in between staff and sixth form car parks at the top end of school. The only problem with this site is its location in close proximity to irremovable silver birch trees and fruit trees. A preliminary design has therefore been created taking into account these restrictions, consisting of a wild flower area, compost bins, benches and vegetable/flower beds. A secure storage facility would also be provided near to the allotment.