Methven Primary School

Hansel and Gretel

My garden is based on the story of Hansel and Gretel.  It is the wicked witch's house that was covered with lots of different sweets to attract children to visit.  I chose this story because it is one of my favourite fairy tales!  I thought it would be nice to remind people about the story of Hansel and Gretel and make a tempting garden just like the witch’s cottage in the story.

Food for birds

Bug hotel behind tasty plants

Window box with tomatoes and bottle greenhouse for basil

Wildlife is attracted into the garden by several areas. There is a bird feeder full of delicious seeds, colourful flowers have been planted for pollinators and a cosy bug hotel shelters under the window box. There are several edible plants; leeks, strawberries, red lettuce, green lettuce, tomato, basil, thyme and climbing beans. I have learned that creating your own design outside is fun. I learned to measure and saw the wood that we needed, drill holes for the screws and am a pretty accomplished greenhouse keeper!

My family are all keen gardeners, and I was very lucky to be able to grow most of the plants at home from seed. My mum has been so helpful, she even visited the school to help my class and I plant everything in the right place. Our friendly janitor donated the wood he had left over and cut the shape for the gingerbread house. He nailed the main planter together too. Local people in the community donated any leftover paints they had in their sheds, which some of the older children in our school volunteered to help paint. We were also very fortunate to receive several plant donations from members of the community which we are now using to create a reading garden with seating in the area around where my Pocket Garden is.

Holes for solitary bees

Breadcrumb path

This house looks good enough to eat