Green-fingered children develop their own organic garden

4:31pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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AN organic garden has been grown at a school to assist children with their learning.

Pupils at Manuden Primary School will be able to grow their own plants in the garden, which was made a reality with the help of local businesses.

During two weekends the beds were constructed with materials provided by timber company Hoppings and the Harlow branch of Buildbase.

Head teacher Linda Talbot said: “We love our new school garden. It has really stimulated the children’s enthusiasm for gardening. We’re looking forward to developing the raised beds within our school curriculum to create further learning opportunities throughout the school.

“We’re already using the garden to develop our senses of touch, taste, smell and sight – our first crop of lettuce is almost ready for picking and will make a tasty addition to our school lunches!”

Over the next few years children will be able to grow their own plants from seeds and the garden will use organic plants that deter unwelcome pests.

The project was part of a wider campaign by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to show how teaching and learning can take place outside the classroom.

Harlow Buildbase manager Tony Archer said: “Everyone at Manuden is so proud of their new garden and is excited to see it establish over the coming months.

“Over 30 schools have built their own gardens and we want to make it as easy as possible for others to follow.”