Birds In the Garden

Abbie Bird Dance

Live, Love, Garden, Learn and Grow 

I would like to begin this week’s garden chat by asking the question: “What has gardening taught you?” You don’t need to be an experienced gardener in order to answer that question. Even a newcomer with a few pots or a small plot would have some insights into the intriguing world of gardening.

The gardening learning curve is a very steep one, and sometimes the lessons we are taught leave us feeling a little disheartened. Sometimes the lessons can even be brutal. Just like my year 10 biology teacher, the garden can be tough and unforgiving. But that can be a blessing in disguise. Not that it feels like it at the time. And just like my biology teacher, the garden rewards us generously when we learn from our mistakes. It rewards us when we work hard and apply the lessons learnt.

I am extremely grateful for the many things that gardening has taught me. The lessons I’ve learnt are not only relevant to gardening, they apply to the bigger picture of life itself. Like the importance of mindfulness, of not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, but instead being totally present in the here and now. And the slightly conflicting and somewhat opposing, but vitally important practise of planning ahead. Which means, if like me, your goal is to have home-grown tomatoes on the menu for Christmas lunch, it would pay to get those seeds in now. For the best chance of success, try the smaller varieties, like cherry, plum or pear tomatoes. They’re fast growers and early to mature. Tommy Toe and Black Cherry are two of my favourites. Sweet, juicy and bite-sized, they’re perfect for the kids! If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to sow your other summer veggies, herbs and flowers. Try zucchini, squash, cucumber, lettuce, rocket, leek, sweet corn, basil, mint, sage, sunflowers, dahlias, and zinnias. (For more suggestions on what to sow and when, there are many informative sowing guides online).

Sow seeds in pots or trays, using high quality seed raising mix (or sifted high quality potting mix), and keep moist and in a warm spot (the kitchen window sill is a popular spot but it can get terribly crowded and messy). I use a small greenhouse which I picked up off hard rubbish, but you can likely fashion something suitable with minimal time and fuss from the bits and pieces you have lying around in the shed, the garage, or the backyard. A warm, moist environment is all you need to create in order to propagate your seeds, and once germination occurs, the seedlings will require plenty of light if they are to develop into strong, vibrant plants.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to sow seeds and raise seedlings, then buying ready-to-plant seedlings is a great option. The downside is that a punnet of tomato seedlings (typically only 6 or 8 plants) can cost up to five times more than a packet of seeds (typically 50 to 80 seeds for tomatoes). Also, whilst common varieties are usually easy to find, the more unusual, lesser known (some would also say more interesting) and heirloom varieties can often be difficult (if not impossible) to buy as seedlings. Coupled with the current limitations on travel and the high demand for seedlings both online and over the counter, you may have to beat the rush to secure your prized plants. The early bird catches the worm…

If you would like to share your gardening journey and the lessons learnt, or if you have any gardening questions you would like answered, feel free to email me at Sean.ONeil@education.vic.gov.au

Happy gardening!

Here at Badger Creek we have so many amazing and talented students.

Even during this difficult time we have seen so many creative activities come to life.

We have decided these creations are far to good not to sure with the community.

If you would like to upload your special creations please make sure you do so on the remote learning blog in the ‘Share Your Celebrations!’ section.