22 June 2017, Thursday
Prior to both IGP and SSDB projects, our teachers has contacted the good people from NParks’ Community-in-Bloom (CIP) to kick-start our outdoor garden. Launched in May 2005, and first carried out at Mayfair Park Estate, the nationwide gardening movement aims to foster a community spirit and bring together residents, both young and old, to make Singapore our garden. Today, CIB has close to 1,000 community gardens across Singapore that have engaged over more than 20,000 residents.
Just a recap, the previous batch of K2s actually built an indoor garden last year but sadly, it did not last because of their lack of knowledge and the conditions of the wrong techniques applied to plant. But our teachers stood tall, learnt from their mistakes, and read-up. They wrote to town council to acquire the small plot of land behind our school. It was quickly approved, and they got to work, soon after. With the help of parents’ volunteer, RC garden leaders and Nparks representatives, they were able to execute their IGP sustainability plans in no time.
The initial stage of planting requires tons of hardwork from our teachers. They have to learn quick before getting us involved.
They were flexible enough to change from Herbs and Spices garden to a more holistic outdoor garden where they incorporated the 5 senses.
We have the edibles such as chye sim, spinach, lettuces, eggplants and chillies. There are also plants like lemon balm which gives off a very nice smell when we lean to take a sniff. And our standard favourite seem to be Coleus because of the beautiful colour. We were happy to take turns to water the plants and have our daily morning talks to our beautiful garden.
It is the hands-on processes, outside the classroom that taught us more than the ones on papers in the classroom.
This is truly an experience like no other. Thank you to our wonderful teachers!
