HNS's "Busy Bees” have been learning the correct way to plant and care for seedlings by planting winter crops of tomatoes, carrots, lettuces, brussell sprouts, spinach, sugar snap peas, parsley, and rocket.  Most seedlings are thriving, however, there were a few strugglers.  It was interesting to observe the “Concern” shown towards these struggling plants, as the students spoke kind and encouraging words to them and nurtured them with their gentle hands. These plants have also affectionately been given special names.

HNS’s “Garden Enthusiasts” have placed newspaper and mulch onto garden beds to inhibit weed growth, together with crushed eggshells, coffee grinds and sand around the seedlings in the hope of deterring slugs, snails and other pests. They have also learned about companion planting and enjoyed planting marigold and nasturtium seeds to accompany the already growing oregano, mint, parsley, basil, chives, rosemary and lavender plants. To encourage bees into the garden, they have planted cosmos and alyssum seeds.

HNS’s “Garden Architects” have built stakes to support the thriving tomato plants and to help keep their leaves and developing fruits off the ground.