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In the fall of 2020, 11 grade five students began meeting weekly as part of an Environment Club. Our environment club grew out of the interests and ideas from one of our students, and her peers were eager to jump on board and help out. In the fall and winter students worked on projects including making marker recycling stations for classes, and a poster campaign with ideas of how kids can help the earth.
In February, our interests turned to reviving a garden bed, once tended to by a kindergarten teacher who had since retired. With guidance from the kindergarten teacher, experts in our school community and some research students began to formulate a vision for what they wanted in their garden.
It was important to students that the plants in the garden were mainly native plants, attracting for pollinators (hummingbirds, butterflies, bees) and were deer resistant. Students also wanted to leave two plants the kindergarten teacher had planted: lavender for a beautiful smell, and lambs ear for the soft feel. Students have worked hard weeding and preparing the beds and we're excited to share with you the plants we have included in our Environment Club Garden.
Red Flowering Currant: The Red Flowering Currant was chosen for its pretty pink blossoms, and strong, sweet smell. The plant also provides nectar for the migrating Roofus Hummingbird. Red Flowering Currant also provides food for butterflies and small birds.
Yarrow: Thank you Mrs. Kewley for the donation of Yarrow for our garden. Yarrow is a native plant to Vancouver Island. It is deer resistant and attracts pollinators including bees. Yarrow has many uses in traditional First Nations medicine including being a treatment for headaches, sore throat, stomach ailments and even measels.
Siberian Miners Lettuce: Siberian Miners Lettuce is a perennial and was selected as its blossoms will attract pollinators, and it's a pretty little white ground cover with deep green leaves.
False Lily of the Valley: False Lily of the Valley is a native plant that likes partial shade. False Lily of the Valley will provide food for wildlife, attract birds and bring some fall colour to our garden.
Sea Blush: Sea Blush is a native plant that will bring colour to our garden this spring. Sea Blush is deer resistant, and will attract bees and butterflies.
Camas: Camas is a perennial that is known for it's deep violet colour. Camas has edible bulbs that First Nations peoples would cook for a day or more in pits lined with hot rocks. Camas bulbs would develop a rich buttery texture and have a sweet nutty flavour. In our garden, Camas will attract bees and butterflies.
Teddy Bear Sunflower: The Teddy Bear Sunflower is a smaller sunflower variety, growing to approximately 3 feet tall at maturity. Teddy Bear Sunflowers are known for their fluffy appearance, with many small petals, perfect for sprinkling over a salad, however we aren't recommending eating anything from our garden.
Lavender: Our former garden keeper was our now retired kindergarten teacher. She tended to these beds for many years. Her vision was to provide a sensory experience for students, where they could experience unique sights, smells and textures. It was also a special haven for the release of butterflies in the spring. Lavender provides a sweet and floral smell, and attracts butterflies and bees.
Lambs Ear: Lamb's Ear was another plant chosen for it's sensory characteristics. Lamb's Ear has a very soft feel, and it's fuzzy pale green leaves are a delightful addition to the garden landscape.
June Plum: June Plum is a native plant to the Pacific Northwest. June Plum are highly attractive to birds and are also eaten by mammals. June Plums attract pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
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