Day 5 of Horticulture:

Today we carried out research in the computer room. Our task was to find five flowers and three vegetables that can be sown in Autumn and survive the Winter. The plants must also be suitable for the Irish climate. I found the following plants:

The Vegetables:

1. Broad Beans- these can be planted in Autumn, the Aquadulce Claudia are the most suitable for this time. The plant can survive the Winter months and can also protect the soil around it.

2. Oriental Salads- these can be sown in Autumn, it is a durable plant that tolerates frost and cold temperatures.

3. Chard/Perpetual Spinach- these plants are easy to grow, suffers from very few pests and diseases and can survive the cold temperatures.

The Flowers:

1. Winter Acconite- these are very bright and colourful flowers that are very tough and will survive in cold temperatures and snow.

2. Winter Iris- these plants are suitable for growth in Winter and are cheaper than plants in pots.

3. Snowdrops- this flower is able to withstand the cold and will multiply over the years.

4. Daffodils- this bright and colourful flower thrives in mild weather and lasts a long time.

5. Crocus Tommasinianus- this flower is very easy to grow and brings lots of colour to the garden.

Day 4 of Horticulture:

Today we continued our practical work in the courtyard. My teacher showed us the different tools we would be using during our practical work in Horticulture and demonstrated how to use these tools. Examples of the tools she showed us include the shovel and the trowel. After this we separated into groups and went to different areas of the courtyard where we began to prepare the flower beddings. This was very important as preparation is key when designing a garden and preparing the soil in advance will make the process of planting much easier.

Examples of Garden Tools:

Day 3 of Horticulture:

Today we began our practical work in our school's courtyard. My teacher gave us a short tour of the courtyard, showing us the work done by previous TY students as well as some of the herbs grown in the courtyard such as lavender, lemon balm and the curry plant. After this we got trowels and began to clear all the flower beds of weeds that had grown over the Summer. It was important to get rid of the weeds because they drain the soil of water and nutrients as well as taking up valuable space. In order for the plants we plan to grow this year to grow successfully, we needed to remove the weeds to make sure our plants would get the correct amount of space, nutrients and water.

Garden tools, Lavender and Weeds:

   

Day 2 of Horticulture:

In today's lesson, we began sketching the school courtyard. Using a ruler, pencil and colours I drew a birds-eye view sketch of the school courtyard, outlining the shape of the paths, the entrances and the doorways into the courtyard. I also sketched the flowerbeds surrounding the courtyard and the picnic table in the centre. After completing my sketch, I was told to come up with three new features I would use if I were to re-design the courtyard. My three ideas were; to add a water fountain, a Home-Economics herb garden and more flowers to add extra colour and character to the courtyard. I then printed out pictures as examples of my three features and lay them around my sketch, an explanation of why I chose each particular feature under the pictures.

My Courtyard Sketch:

Day 1 of Horticulture:

I began my first lesson in Horticulture on the 31st of August, 2015. The class began with an introduction into the subject of Horticulture. I learned that Horticulture is the science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants. It is also the cultivation of a garden. After the introduction my teacher continued by explaining the importance of design within a garden and demonstrated its importance by showing us a clip from the well known TV show "Super Gardens". In conclusion to this lesson I learned the meaning of Horticulture, how important it is to be accurate and precise when planning your garden and also how vital it is to be organised when designing your garden.

Example of a well designed garden: