The Little House (Montessori)
The children arrived at Hort Park and were greeted by the magnificent showcase of vertical greenery.
Mrs. Katherine explained how vertical gardening makes efficient use of space, specially here in Singapore. They were shown how the plants are watered by an irrigation system installed on each wall. The children also learnt about the different needs of the plants – sunlight, water, and nutrients (which come from the soil) and how the plants selected for vertical gardening thrive because of all these needs being met.
The children also learnt about the different needs of the plants – sunlight, water, and nutrients (which come from the soil) and how the plants selected for vertical gardening thrive because of all these needs being met.
The children were then taken to the Edible Garden where they saw a variety of plants that can be eaten and can also be used for medicinal purposes.
Mrs Jo introduced lady's finger to the children. She explained that its seeds can be roasted and grounded as a coffee substitute.
Lady's fingers
The children were then introduced to variegated Indian borage. They learnt that its leaves can be eaten raw or made into a decoction to treat dry cough.
Variegated Indian Borage
Mrs. Jo showed them the stalks of sweet corn and explained how corn is a rich source of carbohydrates.
The children also learnt about the asparagus and how its young shoots are used and cooked as an appetizer or side dish.
Asparagus
Mrs. Jo showed them the pandan leaves and how it is used to enhance flavour in rice dishes, desserts and cakes. The children were also given samples of pandan leaves which they passed around to smell and feel.
Pandan
Mrs Jo showed them the luffa and explained how it is used in soup dishes but when fully ripened, can be processed and used as a bath sponge.
Luffa
Ms. Kristine showed them the eggplant and explained how it is also known as brinjal or aubergine. The children also learnt that it can be grown by planting the seeds and it thrives in full sun.
Eggplant
The children were shown the spring onion and they learnt about how they can be grown using the onion bulbs.
Spring onions
The children were shown the bitter gourd. They learnt that it is commonly used in soups or stir fried with egg. They also discovered that salt can be used to reduce its bitter taste.
Bittergourd
The children learnt about pumpkin and how rich it is in Vitamin A which is an essential nutrient for good vision.
Pumpkin
The children also learnt about lemongrass and how it can be used as a cockroach repellent, just like the pandan.
