Trip to Keelings

 

Orange Peppers

On the 24^th of June the pupils from 4^th and 5^th classes went to Keelings. It took us about 30 minutes to get there. A man called Jarleth took us around an enormous glasshouse. There were thousands of pepper plants growing in the glasshouse. They were really tall and grew up along a string. There were four different colours of peppers red, orange, yellow and green. It was very hot in the greenhouse. Jarleth told us that if there was a spider on a plant it was a sign of a healthy plant… The pepper plants were very tall. Keelings don’t use soil to grow their peppers instead they use coir made from coconut hair. A system of tiny pipes brings water and nutrients to the plants.

 The glasshouse was very hot. Everyone was happy to see the peppers but they were delighted to get out in the fresh air.

 

Next at the Keelings farm we went to see a where they grew the strawberries and raspberries. This time we had Dónal as a guide. The strawberries were growing up high and he allowed us pick two strawberries each. The strawberries were really delicious. Then we went to the raspberries and he allowed us to pick a raspberry too. He gave our teacher several boxes of strawberries. She divided them out in the class when we got back to the school. They were really delicious. Everybody enjoyed the trip to Keelings.

 

 

 

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Creating a Garden

We are fortunate in Scoil Eoin to have large grounds that were planted with deciduous trees many years ago. The trees enhance our school attracting birds and other wildlife to our school grounds as well as providing many environmental benefits Hidden away at the back was a piece of waste ground that had lain neglected since the school was constructed. Our plan was to transform this derelict area into a garden. An area of approximately 21 square meters will be developed into a vegetable and herb garden with an area set aside for compost bins at the end.

Our objectives are :

• To create a natural environment.
• Teach children to develop pride in their school and to appreciate the natural environment.
• Turn a piece of waste ground into an attractive looking wildlife habitat.
• As well as looking attractive it will encourage a wide range of insects a potential source of food for other wildlife into the garden.
• Support the Science curriculum.
• Provide an opportunity for the pupils to interact with living plants.
• Ensure that when they become adults that they will consider the needs of wildlife.