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Post by debbiem on Jan 10, 2008 11:07:36 GMT 1
Are there no other trees or bushes around or overhanging the grounds that you could put it in? Somewhere a bit more out of the way?
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Post by madonplants on Jan 10, 2008 12:50:57 GMT 1
Hard one this, 4P. As Mrs B suggested, is there anywhere else you could place it, as the parents will need to feel secure to have their babies? Make sure it won't get cooked by the sun as well, so not south facing. I expect you knew that though, didn't you? How far away do the kids play and is it a regular occurance for footballs to head that way, even though one direct hit on the box could be enough to send the parents packing?
Keith
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Post by 4pygmies on Jan 10, 2008 21:02:11 GMT 1
Unfortunately there isn't another likely site really. The other trees are all too far from the school building and the laying of the wire would be too problematic. The tree I have in mind isn't really in any line of fire with footballs etc but it is by the main path. I'm hoping that the ivy and proximity to the pond and wild areas will be enough to encourage birds into it. Plus it is within 6' of the infant classroom wall. As this teacher is the only one who has shown any real interest I would prefer to give his class the chance to follow any activity, the children do a lot of work about plants and wildlife.
The crab apple is quite large and the box would be quite secluded really - I would face it inwards which is north east (I think) so I hope that will limit the noise disturbance.
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Post by debbiem on Jan 11, 2008 10:17:49 GMT 1
It sounds OK - it's always worth a try. If the tree itself isn't getting disturbed and it's well inside the foliage it sounds the best place to put it.
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Post by madonplants on Jan 11, 2008 11:48:31 GMT 1
Unfortunately there isn't another likely site really. The other trees are all too far from the school building and the laying of the wire would be too problematic. The tree I have in mind isn't really in any line of fire with footballs etc but it is by the main path. I'm hoping that the ivy and proximity to the pond and wild areas will be enough to encourage birds into it. Plus it is within 6' of the infant classroom wall. As this teacher is the only one who has shown any real interest I would prefer to give his class the chance to follow any activity, the children do a lot of work about plants and wildlife. The crab apple is quite large and the box would be quite secluded really - I would face it inwards which is north east (I think) so I hope that will limit the noise disturbance. Is that not a bit close to have a large (albeit crab apple) tree to a building? Their H & S maybe being called into question! What type of soil does the soil have? Best thing maybe is to do is try it and you will soon know if the birds like that position or not. Have you a photo of the position? Keith |
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Post by 4pygmies on Jan 11, 2008 14:38:53 GMT 1
I think the tree was there before the school actually so I shan't mention it - just in case they decide to chop it down....  The soil is typical Breckland stuff - very sandy and thin. |
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Post by debbiem on Jan 11, 2008 14:51:07 GMT 1
It seems like that's going to be the place to put it then.  |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 2, 2008 10:44:31 GMT 1
Just if anyone is interested, we have decided to site the birdbox with camera away from the wild garden on the other side of the school in the large clump of beech trees. We think a nest is safer there, away from the main thrust of the kids rushing about so a bit more peaceful etc. Also there is a better route for the wiring etc coming into the school. We have consulted an electrician parent. I thought it would be too far away from the building but apparently it's OK. The new teacher, (a man! He looks about 16 to me ;D,) is going to oversee the electricky bits. Hopefully we are doing it next week, weather permitting. Coo! I feel like we're making progress now.
I know it's unlikely the box will be occupied this year but wouldn't it be GREAT if it was?! I would feel like Bill Oddie (same height and shape actually, it's just the beard.....) I did wonder whether I should hang a couple of wooden boxes up in the other trees just in case it might encourage birds to have a look. What do you all think?
I have had several enquiries from children about when Gardening Club is starting again, the 3rd years are chitting potatoes in the GH for a science project and the PTA Chairlady asked me this week if I have anything I need to buy as they have some funds spare - silly question! I have 4 raised beds to fill with soil and plants, 15/20 large pots to buy for each child to grow their own personal secret garden, I'd like to build a pergola over the gate into the wild garden for some climbers and I'd like a nice sign to dedicate the new ponds to Jimmy, the lovely man who died last year who was so keen on the new area and who was building the ponds with us.
That'll do for starters......
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Post by emseypop on Feb 2, 2008 12:51:12 GMT 1
I hope your funds stretch 4p, it sounds like you've got some lovely Ideas. Maybe the school will help the children make a plaque. You have to think about getting the kids to put together a plant stall for the school summer fete. I'm sorry I can help you with any nesting box ideas, the only nesting box I've ever had in my garden (when I was a kid) had a wasps nest in it!
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Post by Sleepy on Feb 2, 2008 13:31:29 GMT 1
I hope your funds stretch 4p, it sounds like you've got some lovely Ideas. Maybe the school will help the children make a plaque. You have to think about getting the kids to put together a plant stall for the school summer fete. I'm sorry I can help you with any nesting box ideas, the only nesting box I've ever had in my garden (when I was a kid) had a wasps nest in it! Oh, how wonderful! I visited a garden somewhere daan saath that had a birdsnest with a bees nest in it. Oh how I would love that in my garden |
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Post by madonplants on Feb 2, 2008 13:35:59 GMT 1
Nesting box will be OK there, 4P. The birds that use it, will know there is a wildlife area nearby, so don't worry about that. You still might get them using it this year, you never know.
Keep up the good work. Like the idea of the dedicated sign for Jimmy. Maybe have a ceremony when you put it up.
Keith
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Post by debbiem on Feb 2, 2008 19:00:12 GMT 1
It's all kicking off really nicely. I think you should put up as many birdboxes as you can as you never know which one they'll take a fancy to. And I think the sign to commemorate Jimmy is a lovely idea too. Just keep the thick pillocks away from all of it! |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 21, 2008 15:34:10 GMT 1
I had a quick look round the wild garden and the GH garden this morning..the ponds are pretty well but quite icy and the smallest one needs some more plants in it. Sadly the thick pillocks have killed the Cotoneaster as I thought although the Hebe is struggling valiently....it looks as if there will be some wild flowers but most of them have gone. I haven't planted the replacements in the ground so we will be able to replace them in a few weeks. The slope up into the ponds has worked pretty well and is nicely overgrown now so I hope we have some wildlife resident to make use of it.
All OM's daffodils are coming up nicely, and Barbara's bluebells too and the herb garden has survived the winter. Things seemed to have been ticking over well. The orchard trees are budding up too and only one or two of them have small branches snapped by children running about.
Someone has heeled in 3 more apple trees in a corner of the wild garden too so they will need a permanent home and I have a pear tree to put somewhere.
The PTA still haven't OKed the purchase of the extra nest boxes so I shall have to chivvy them about that. Easter is quite early this year so I hope we can have a nice long growing season this summer. Lots to forward to - I can't wait to start again!
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Post by madonplants on Feb 21, 2008 15:38:45 GMT 1
I had a quick look round the wild garden and the GH garden this morning..the ponds are pretty well but quite icy and the smallest one needs some more plants in it. Sadly the thick pillocks have killed the Cotoneaster as I thought although the Hebe is struggling valiently....it looks as if there will be some wild flowers but most of them have gone. I haven't planted the replacements in the ground so we will be able to replace them in a few weeks. The slope up into the ponds has worked pretty well and is nicely overgrown now so I hope we have some wildlife resident to make use of it. All OM's daffodils are coming up nicely, and Barbara's bluebells too and the herb garden has survived the winter. Things seemed to have been ticking over well. The orchard trees are budding up too and only one or two of them have small branches snapped by children running about. Someone has heeled in 3 more apple trees in a corner of the wild garden too so they will need a permanent home and I have a pear tree to put somewhere. The PTA still haven't OKed the purchase of the extra nest boxes so I shall have to chivvy them about that. Easter is quite early this year so I hope we can have a nice long growing season this summer. Lots to forward to - I can't wait to start again! What winter?  Glad things are looking up, could someone not build the nesting boxes themselves, or is that not the issue? Keith |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 21, 2008 15:49:05 GMT 1
The only person likely to build nestboxes is me! And I simply will not spend any more money and time - especially as I happen to know that the PTA coffers are full.....I don't see why they can't spend some of it on the Gardening Club. I am going to concentrate on my own garden this year. I don't know where you've been Keith but we've had lots of winter here - very cold, very wet, very windy, very dark.......(I know what you mean really) though.... |
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Post by 4pygmies on Feb 21, 2008 17:27:31 GMT 1
The three mystery apple trees are Red Falstaff, Harling Hero and London Pearmain. They were donated by the County Education's Grounds department........ ;D Take with one hand and give with the other : |
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Post by Sleepy on Feb 21, 2008 17:28:44 GMT 1
The three mystery apple trees are Red Falstaff, Harling Hero and London Pearmain. They were donated by the County Education's Grounds department........ ;D Take with one hand and give with the other : They've made an effort. Their involvement just needs managing, that's all ;D |
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Post by 4pygmies on Mar 13, 2008 22:18:35 GMT 1
I spent an hour in the school GH this morning first thing building the GH shelving. The stupid thing had some of its bolt holes in the wrong place (OH verifies this - it's not me being thick!) so I had a struggle - good old plastic ties. Hopefuly they will hold it together...I set a bag of first early taties to chit on them too in egg boxes. There are several lots of spuds chitting for the Year 3 science work but I don't think the teacher has quite understood the principles - they are planted in plastic seed trays - I asked her if she needed any help but she said she knew what she was doing... : My Club children will show them how it should be done! ;D |
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Post by 4pygmies on Apr 11, 2008 7:11:56 GMT 1
I forgot to tell you all about my visit from the Education therapist yesterday morning (she spoke to smallest who is having some anxiety problems at school, apparently she poured her little heart out : She's soooo like her mother!). Smallest talked her about my Gardening Club and how I wanted to get the whole school involved. Anyway she asked if we could hold a 'nurturing session' with a small group of children in the greenhouse next week sowing seeds so she can spend some time with her 'clients' in a positive, interesting way talking to them and encouraging them to help each other. Isn't that fascinating and GREAT? We are going to do it during a lunchtime so I'm hoping it will also intrigue a few other kids and will encourage them to get involved. I am really looking forward to it - the theraputic value of gardening is a wonderful thing. Wow! I wonder if I can get her to make it a regular event? I am really looking forward to watching her work. I've been a bit worried about Gardening Club as my illness has stopped me getting going but now I am revitalised and am going to drag more parents in to help me even if they kick and scream! I am just not up to the physical stuff of dragging bags of compost etc about yet. Oh, and the other thing is that, apparently, a couple of the teachers have asked if they can use an area of the GH for some work they have to do as part of the curriculum this term! OOh.....progress has been slow but I feel as if things are starting to get going now! It's a good feeling...  |
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Post by bogmyrtle on Apr 11, 2008 8:32:29 GMT 1
I forgot to tell you all about my visit from the Education therapist yesterday morning (she spoke to smallest who is having some anxiety problems at school, apparently she poured her little heart out : She's soooo like her mother!). Smallest talked her about my Gardening Club and how I wanted to get the whole school involved. Anyway she asked if we could hold a 'nurturing session' with a small group of children in the greenhouse next week sowing seeds so she can spend some time with her 'clients' in a positive, interesting way talking to them and encouraging them to help each other. Isn't that fascinating and GREAT? We are going to do it during a lunchtime so I'm hoping it will also intrigue a few other kids and will encourage them to get involved. I am really looking forward to it - the theraputic value of gardening is a wonderful thing. Wow! I wonder if I can get her to make it a regular event? I am really looking forward to watching her work. I've been a bit worried about Gardening Club as my illness has stopped me getting going but now I am revitalised and am going to drag more parents in to help me even if they kick and scream! I am just not up to the physical stuff of dragging bags of compost etc about yet. Oh, and the other thing is that, apparently, a couple of the teachers have asked if they can use an area of the GH for some work they have to do as part of the curriculum this term! OOh.....progress has been slow but I feel as if things are starting to get going now! It's a good feeling... 4pygmies, that is wonderful news and it's really put a spring in your step hasn't it? As you have noted yourself, don't overdo it - make sure others are doing the heavy work for you, it won't do them any harm and it will make them realise just how much you do! You are doing a fantastic job there, well done  To get the children interested at such a young age is the thing, takes them outside to see what is really there, how it works and respect it. It's practical learning and a good way forward I think! |
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Post by emseypop on Apr 11, 2008 11:00:43 GMT 1
Thats sounds great 4P! Let us know how it goes, and like myrtle says don't overdo it
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Post by Sweetleaf on Apr 11, 2008 11:11:36 GMT 1
I forgot to tell you all about my visit from the Education therapist yesterday morning (she spoke to smallest who is having some anxiety problems at school, apparently she poured her little heart out : She's soooo like her mother!). Smallest talked her about my Gardening Club and how I wanted to get the whole school involved. Anyway she asked if we could hold a 'nurturing session' with a small group of children in the greenhouse next week sowing seeds so she can spend some time with her 'clients' in a positive, interesting way talking to them and encouraging them to help each other. Isn't that fascinating and GREAT? We are going to do it during a lunchtime so I'm hoping it will also intrigue a few other kids and will encourage them to get involved. I am really looking forward to it - the theraputic value of gardening is a wonderful thing. Wow! I wonder if I can get her to make it a regular event? I am really looking forward to watching her work. I've been a bit worried about Gardening Club as my illness has stopped me getting going but now I am revitalised and am going to drag more parents in to help me even if they kick and scream! I am just not up to the physical stuff of dragging bags of compost etc about yet. Oh, and the other thing is that, apparently, a couple of the teachers have asked if they can use an area of the GH for some work they have to do as part of the curriculum this term! OOh.....progress has been slow but I feel as if things are starting to get going now! It's a good feeling... Thats brilliant, I have had similar ideas with my learning disability clients, seed sowing for one (very disabled ) and the allotment for another, the centre I went to yesterday has extensive greenhouses, I want to be involved there, we will see how that develops . Ill be fascinated to hear how the nurturing session pans out, keep us in the loop dear! ;D Your role should be strictly supervisory in the Gardening club at the moment, just till you are fit again.....I know you, be careful you dont overdo things! |
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Post by 4pygmies on Apr 11, 2008 11:18:55 GMT 1
I think that is an EXCELLENT idea Sweetie - there's no doubt that sowing seeds and gentle gardening, in whatever form, is an extremely useful tool when you are trying to motivate and encourage people. When I was at the Day Care centre, many moons ago, teaching Art, we had a regular tutor who was an Alpine specialist. He did wonderful things with our mentally and physically handicapped clients - the small scale of the plants and the fact that they could be grown in pots in a covered environment made access much easier and also, I think, felt a lot less threatening than being faced with an expanse of earth and asked to plant in it. |
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Post by Sweetleaf on Apr 11, 2008 11:34:54 GMT 1
I think that is an EXCELLENT idea Sweetie - there's no doubt that sowing seeds and gentle gardening, in whatever form, is an extremely useful tool when you are trying to motivate and encourage people. When I was at the Day Care centre, many moons ago, teaching Art, we had a regular tutor who was an Alpine specialist. He did wonderful things with our mentally and physically handicapped clients - the small scale of the plants and the fact that they could be grown in pots in a covered environment made access much easier and also, I think, felt a lot less threatening than being faced with an expanse of earth and asked to plant in it. I have expanded the horizons for my less disabled client, she still is only interested in food, so lets see how she gets on when she sees she can grow it herself. The other is slightly more difficult, he really cant go to the lottie, it would be too dangerous for him, so he will be nurturing his plants at home in his own garden. If my client can get on with the idea of veg growing, I will at least see the lottie in daylight, cant be bad! ;D |
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Post by 4pygmies on Apr 18, 2008 9:58:25 GMT 1
Smallest's teacher collared me this morning. They are doing all about how plants grow this term so she has sown Sweet Peas, Sunflowers, Runner Beans and Cress with them. She wants me to oversee sorting out the small border along their class room - weeding, digging over and sowing and planting up. I am going in this afternoon to get it all going.
I am so pleased to be asked - maybe this is the way to do it, not trying to get everyone after school (far too many want to, not enough adults) but gradually getting each class more and more involved in their outside environment - planting it up and looking after it. I must try and be at school more often I think shoving stuff under the teachers noses and generally making my presence obvious a bit more.....I WISH someone would pay me a little to do it! I have to earn a living still......we could achieve so much more if I was there every day.....
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The soil is typical Breckland stuff - very sandy and thin.
