Lumsden garden flourishes

Enthusiasm for learning about the environment has prompted Lumsden School students to take on a variety of projects which are challenging them to take action to make a difference. A native bush area already established in the grounds now has a walk through it, with the work done by Room 4. They have planted some more natives there and removed weeds while Room 1 made bird feeders which have encouraged birds. A fantail and other birds have been seen there which they enjoy.

Conner Fraser, Sam Cottier and Hannah Thorburn, all aged 6,
enjoying weeding their vegetable garden boxes at Lumsden School.  

Rooms 2 and 3 have established raised vegetable gardens using wooden boxes, plants and seeds donated by supportive parents.

"We used buckets, spades and muscles to bring the soil in," student Sam Cottier said.

They planted pea, radish and potato seeds and lettuce, tomato, lettuce, celery, strawberry and cabbage plants which are all flourishing. They named all the plants with special labels they designed. When they found worms in the soil that prompted an investigation to find out more about them.

Weeding and watering over the holidays will be done by students who live close by.

"We are very excited about being accepted in to the Enviro Schools programme through Environment Southland for next year," Principal Andrew Watson said. "The students have been to other Enviro Schools to get ideas and have been enthused."