It's terrific Tuesday again!
What a mixed bag of weather we had over the weekend - hopefully you found time to get outside.
Mrs Cherry and I were in school last week, we had hoped to get down to the Forest School area to see what had changed and do a bit of work, but will all the rain, we did not manage to get down till the Friday morning!
The site is in good repair, only a few fallen branches. The bamboo has gone bonkers. The friendly little robin popped down to say hello to us. We even managed to start to build a raised bed - ready for planting up with vegetables when we all get back to school.
A few ideas to keep you going....
The National Trust - ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
No. 17 set up a snail race
Snails move super slowly so it's best not to give them too far to race, but that's not all you need to think about.
You can find snails in most gardens, parks or green spaces, hiding under leafy green plants or in trees. Snails like the cool and wet, so you won't often find them in the sunshine, so if you can remember that when you race them then they'll be happier.
Mark out the track
Snails move super slowly, so don't make your track too long or you'll have to watch for hours while they race.
You can either mark a circular track out in chalk, or you could use sticks in a circle. One about 60cm in diametre is probably about right. The easiest way to start your race is to draw a circle and put all your snails in the middle of the circle, then as they glide away the first one to reach the edge of the circle is the winner, but you could also set up a track like a race track with lanes - though the snails won't know that they're supposed to stay in their lanes, so it might end up less like a race and more like a mess!
If you're having trouble telling your racing snails apart then you could stick small stickers on their shells, but remember to take the stickers off after the race. A snail's shell is its home and helps protect it from harm.
Look after your snails
Just like top athletes have their favourite conditions for a race, snails do too! So, keep the track wet, don't leave the snails racing in full sun light. In fact, a snail race is best done in wet weather, but you might not enjoy that as much. Once the race has been run/crawled then please pop your snail racers back where you found them so they can go home and tell their family how they've done.
Wash your hands
This is just common sense once you've handled anything that lives outdoors, but you might especially want to do it after seeing snail trails everywhere!
We would love to see some pictures of your winning snails!
If that is too sporty for you...
How about making your own Green Eco-system?
You need a clean glass jar or bottle, some gravel, soil, plants (permission from parents to dig up weeds, moss or self seeded saplings).
Start off will a layer of gravel or small stones for drainage.
Next add a layer of soil (check it's an area your parents are happy for you to dig from!)
Carefully position your plants - you may need to use a long handled spoon or fork...
Lightly spray or water your plants
Check daily, it should not need watering, if the eco-system is functioning correctly! Why is that?
Mrs Turland's Veg Plot Watch
Week 7
With all the rain, the plants are starting to grow stronger, but it has also meant that the slugs are out and about!
You can see the carrot seeds I planted directly in the ground have just started to sprout. The sweetcorn has doubled in size! The greenhouse is now empty, so I will be sowing my next crop of salad leaves and peas. Might even sow a few herbs.
Can you spot my homemade mini green houses? Under those are sunflower seeds....I have challenged staff to a sunflower growing competition! There are no rules! We will let you know how it goes - judging won't take place till September.
Would you like to join in? There are no prizes - just the glory of growing and taking part.
We have the following categories:
Tallest Sunflower
Shortest Sunflower
Best Looking Sunflower
Most Vibrant Sunflower
'Ahhh Bless!' Sunflower
Even though it's a very special bank holiday on Monday - Mrs Cherry will be posting our usual Friday blog.
Take care - have fun,
Mrs Turland & Mrs Cherry