Trip to Peter's Gate: 17 October
Rainy-Day Adventure to Peter’s Gate Herbal Centre
Not even a rainy morning could dampen the excitement of the Froggies and Chameleons as they climbed aboard the buses for their final Grade 0 outing of the year! With chatter and laughter filling the air, our eager explorers set off on a sensory adventure to Peter’s Gate Herbal Centre.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Karen Makin, whose passion and knowledge for herbs and plants shone through every story she shared. Our morning began with a gentle stroll through the lush gardens, where the children discovered how herbs are grown organically and used to promote wellness in so many wonderful ways.
Along the path, curious noses and fingers got to see, smell, and even taste herbs such as thyme, fennel, lemon verbena, and mint. Karen introduced us to some lesser-known plants, too, like wild fig, which helps soothe mouth ulcers and bluebottle stings, and pennyroyal, a natural insect repellent. The children were fascinated to learn that lemon verbena can be brewed into an antiviral tea, while rue is affectionately known as “the stinkiest plant she knows!”
The morning’s learning turned hands-on as each child made their very own salt grinder. With teaspoons and bowls at the ready, little hands carefully measured out coarse salt and mixed in herbs like pepper, basil, rosemary, and more to create their own aromatic “braai salt” blends. The delightful scents filled the air, a true feast for the senses!
Snack time brought another treat as we sat among blooming lavender, listening to Karen share fascinating facts about bees and honey. Did you know that one bee makes only one teaspoon of honey in its entire lifetime? The children were amazed to learn how nature works in such perfect harmony.
Then it was time to get creative again — this time with soap making! The children used grated soap, colourful dyes, and essential oils to create beautifully scented bath soap balls. Some even added a sprinkling of glitter for a touch of magic before carefully shaping and packaging their creations.
For the final activity, each child selected a small plant to repot into the decorated pots they had lovingly painted at school. With guidance from Karen, they learned how to care for their new green companions — from gently loosening the roots to adding pebbles for drainage and watering their plants just enough to help them thrive.
As the morning drew to a close, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, as if to celebrate the joy of the day. The children expressed heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Makin for sharing her time, wisdom, and love for the natural world, and to Mr. Bhengu and Mr. Dube for ensuring our safe travels.
The Froggies and Chameleons returned to school tired but beaming — each proudly carrying a little plant to nurture and watch grow. It was a day filled with curiosity, creativity, and connection — a perfect reflection of the Clifton spirit of wholehearted learning.
