I started my garden at Smith’s school in Ikoma a few weeks ago. It was a combination of events that led to this, actually. You see, my son was growing a morning glory flower at school, and summer holidays came upon us. We were informed that he had to take the flower home and keep it alive over the holidays, and even harvest the seeds.
We did not really want this new addition to our family at home, but I thought it might brighten my Smith’s school of English in Ikoma. Then, around the same time, a friend of mine told me about all the things he was growing. I like to grow things, and it was on my wishlist to start a garden. When he got to the part about olives, my mind leapt into action!
He told me that olives are very hardy in the heat, and have survived his veranda’s heat in Osaka. Thus it was that one day, walking home after getting (yikes!) another root canal, that I decided to go into the garden shop on the way home. I came out two baby olive trees richer, and my garden was official.
Olive trees are native to the mediterranean region, and no strangers to heat and dryness. They are tough. But there is more.
Olive trees are the symbols of peace. What better thing to have in a school that promotes international relations (what is learning a foreign language all about, after all)? Plus the promise of fruit makes this plant an ideal choice. If you are not the greenest of greenthumbs, then I recommend that you start here. I did, and so far they are flourishing, despite the 35 degree weather we had some weeks ago. I look forward to a greener future, and a larger garden, growing slowly. I will keep you posted with how my garden grows.
Les, the garden idea is really great. I have a number of decorative plants at my school in Kotoen and they add some atmosphere, if not possibly some oxygen as well! Ha ha! Anyway, thanks for your message under my recent ‘Winter Stargazing’ post. Have a look over there for some ideas regarding taking your boy out for a look. Martin