Gardening Club

When I joined DCGS in 2023 and was introduced to the range of clubs and societies DCGS is proud to offer, one club in particular stood out to me: the Gardening Club.

As I walked into the allotment for the first time, I was amazed at how much time and effort had gone into keeping the area a haven for nature. Armed with gardening tools and compost, and working alongside Mr Burn, Mrs Sealy, Miss Wimbridge and Mrs Mackenzie-Crooks - the knowledgeable leaders of the club - the seemingly daunting task of maintaining the plants turned into a thoroughly enjoyable pastime. Leaving the first meeting brimming with excitement and knowledge, I knew this club was for me.

Since my inauguration, I have been involved in several different projects around the site: the potted plants and sunflowers outside the main hall, three mahonias outside the physics classrooms and a potted garden outside the admin corridor featuring a strawberry tree, weeping acer, and some lovely plants kindly donated by Mr Graham. The Year 7s that sit on the bench nearby initially wondered what we were doing, but soon caught on - and some even joined Gardening Club!

More recently, we’ve been working outside the new Student Support Centre. We added five Darwin’s Barberry plants a few weeks ago, a big achievement despite the little time we had available for the meeting. A special mention to Mr Morgan for creating a song to sing to the Camellias planted next to them - but more about that at the end!

I’d like to say a big thank you to all the teachers who give up their Wednesdays to make the school a brighter place. Not only does their work keep the school site looking wonderful, but they make the Gardening Club both productive and enjoyable for us students.

To finish: If you ever feel down, (and have some Camellias in your garden) I suggest you sing Mr Morgan’s hit single, “Come on Camellias”...

Come on Camellias, you’re the best,

You're much better than the rest.

With a hip, hip, hip, hip, hip, hip, hip, hoo - ray,

You are so - o good today!

Writing: Jacob (Year 9)

Editor: Luke (Year 12)

Photos: Mr Burn