the garden space

evolving outdoor garden space at Little Daises 2011

 for bugs, muck and magic and kids to discover the world of plants, nature and evolving outdoor play. 

The idea for the development of the garden space was simple with a small budget we have achieved a significant addition to the outdoor space of tarmac and urban walls.

great to see plants settling in well

Thanks to John Kavanagh's in Gorey for the tyres and two the lads doing the building work at the Gorey Community School who delivered the donated soil. The gravel put at the base of the tyres was donated by a local family from an unused quarry on their land. Plants were donated by my Dad (thanks Dad!) and the climbers were purchased locally in a garden centre. I'm awaiting a delivery of two apple trees and some herbs.
There are 5 groupings of tyres with ten small tyres left unplanted. The main criteria for this space was to give the children access to muck... 

Climbers planted to cover back wall and add year round foliage,
flowers and scent. Primulas and spring flowers to the left and two muck
tyres for pure dig, discovery and play. 

clusters of muck planters to give greater access to children for play

first signs of spring with daffodil bulbs shots peaking out,
forget-me-knots settling in well to this pot too

creating a garden

Bridgie's old barrow

I had great company for creating the garden space at Little Daisies. This trusted old wheel barrow bonged to the late great Bridgie Gavin a great aunt it move the muck with mega wobble but got the job done.

Earth

Well really for small children that should read MUCK! Said in a very particular way so that you swing out of the M and K.
Gravity - the difference between stamping and waving your feet in the air. Jumping and standing. Don't get to intellectual about it just get the kids to notice what they feel. That's enough for them to be aware there is a difference and a pull of their feet to the ground.
In keeping with the fact that we will be developing a small garden during this project I thought what better way to introduce the idea then a flower pot of muck. So in the morning I went digging muck and worm hunting.
Worms are great for small kids. Muck is great to. Get them to smell it, look at it.
I introduced the plate of muck by saying I had brought some timid visitors who were hiding. I asked would they like to meet them? I'm always concious when working with children that someone will have a sensory issue or reaction to the piece of work I am offering to them or indeed me so I take it really slowly. Keep it simple - thats what I worked with this week.
Nearly all of the children wanted to hold the worm, they listened really well and passed the worm gently from palm to palm, really respecting these wriggly friends. We spoke about what loved to eat worms - birds. Someone asked what worms ate? Muck. In the morning I worked in three rooms and in the afternoon the toddler and after school group. Really enjoyed meeting some of the team drop in group too.
Who would have thought that a plate of muck and worms could be so exciting!