Taking a leaf out of First Lady’s book
The Government House Schools Garden Project was inspired by the kitchen garden that American First Lady Michelle Obama started at the White House in Washington DC.Mrs Obama wanted the new kitchen garden to become a ‘learning garden’ and so she invited students from a Washington elementary school to help to plant and tend the vegetables and fruit growing there.In September Mrs Fergusson along with His Excellency the Governor had a meeting with representatives from the three primary schools that are closest to Government House: Northlands Primary, Victor Scott Primary and West Pembroke Primary, to discuss a similar garden project in the Government House grounds.The idea was received enthusiastically by all three schools, and by the end of November six special beds — two for each school group — had been dug and prepared. The students paid their first visit, and planted their first vegetable and fruit seedlings.Each school group of young gardeners is supported by a supervising teacher, Government House gardeners, Parks Department education staff and two mentors.The teams of mentors are members of The Garden Club of Bermuda and have volunteered to help with this programme. Mrs Fergusson also takes an active role, visits the school groups when they are here, when her schedule allows, and gardens alongside the youngsters. Since that first visit, the young gardeners have learned about plants, pests, soil, watering and weeding.At the moment there are strawberries, beets, mustard greens, sweet peppers, tomatoes, basil, carrots and much more that have been successfully planted and then looked after by the students.In addition, there is a shared area where herbs have been planted with the able supervision of Auntie Nell and where larger crops are grown by the youngsters. At the moment potato plants are thriving in one section after the students planted them, with guidance from Government House gardeners.Northlands has 10 students in their group and are accompanied by their supervising teacher Alandra Swan. Their mentors are Audrey Smith, Joanne Hunt, Audrey Smith and Anna Fulton from the Garden Club of Bermuda.There are 12 young gardeners from West Pembroke Primary, who are in P5 and P6. They are accompanied by their supervising teacher Beverley Smith. Their Garden Club mentors are Joy Nash and Peter Holmes.Victor Scott has seven primary students who take part in the programme, who are in years 3, 4 and 6. They are accompanied by Stephen Coddington, who is their supervising teacher. The Garden Club’s Sally Godet and Rosalind Gutteridge are their mentors.
Young Observer met up with the Northlands team at Government House and asked some of the young budding gardeners their thoughts on their new gardening class and hobby.
Nyhindea Carreiro, Age 10“I like how you have to dig up the weeds and plant the seeds. I’ve learnt how to be gentle with the seeds and the plants. I look forward to coming to the garden each week with my class.”
George Peets, Age 10“I have learnt the plants need sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to grow. I guess tomatoes are my favourite vegetable in the garden. I also garden with my mama at home.”
Nabiilah Nasir, Age 10“We are growing tomatoes, strawberries, kale, cabbage and mustard greens. I think you can put mustard seeds in a soup or salad.”
Jordan Wolffe, Age 10“I like learning new things in the garden; broccoli is my favourite vegetable. I like taking the bugs of the plants with the tweazers.”
In the Government House vegetable garden there are numerous medicinal plants, such as: paw paws; basil; rosemary; flopper; fennel; aloe; lemon grass; dandelions and plantain.Mr. Burgess of the Department of Parks was also at the vegetable garden when we visited. He is a part of the Education team that teach the children about the plants and vegetables. He told us” it is good for the children to identify with what they see growing around and these plants do have a purpose.”
