"Let us put our minds together....

..and see what we can make for our children"

Attributed to Chief Sitting Bull. (1831-1890)

 Last Wednesday we were advised that our two tree ferns (Antarctica dicksonia) had arrived and were ready for collection. They just fitted into the car with a few centimetres to spare.  The next evening they had been planted and the intensive period of regular watering had begun.  Until the fronds appear the plants must be watered every day.  Over the weekend in almost summer conditions other plants which had been held in the school greenhouse were planted out.  Instantly the Jurassic Garden took on a new appearance.  With Tetrapanax, Pseudopanax, Shuttlecock Ferns, Chain Ferns, Royal Fern, and Gunnera all planted up the previous areas of landscaped earth took on a new dimension.

A tight fit!

The first Tree Fern is positioned

Bananas and Geranium maderense are planted in the sunny area.

A view across the garden with the ferns in place

The Gunnera was planted at the rear of the garden where it would be allowed to develop and generate huge leaves

The Gunnera showing the first leaf

With warmer weather now firmly established  it was time to plant out the Sweet Peas which have been in the greenhouse since the seed was planted on November.  Again we make no apologies but have planted our firm favourite... culpani  which has a wonderful scent carried on dark red and blue flowers.

On Easter Sunday the school garden was used to broaden the search area of the Easter egg hunt which had been set up by Highclere House.  Our good friends next door were invited in to try to find the many hidden Easter eggs which had been carefully positioned around the garden- some easy to find and some not so easy to find.

Start searching...

Almost there....

One of the more difficult ones to spot

Two eggs floating in the pond on a raft

Over the weekend many butterflies were recorded.  Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Comma and Peacock were seen along with a very unseasonal Hummingbird Hawk Moth on Easter Monday.  In recent years this species has been suspected of  hiberating along the South Coast although with the recent fine weather and favourable winds this could well have been a migrant.  Talking of migrants a few Swallows were recorded over the garden over the weekend and plenty of Chiffchaffs and a single Willow Warbler.  Summer is on the way.  Bee species were also evident on Easter Monday with no less than 7 species recorded including  Andrena haemorrhoa. 

The working party is set for next weekend.  Come along on Saturday and enjoy the peaceful environment which is the school garden.  There are many jobs to do.  From tidying the tool shed to painting the fence you will be most welcome!