Name of Project: " Tub Gardens "

Brief one-sentence description of project:
Tub Gardens are micro eco-systems created in containers to encourage diversity and sustainability

Full description of project:
Global warming is a "hot" issue affecting everyone, in our fight against the effects of this climate change, one of the key questions we need to ask ourselves is “How can we take some of that carbon out of our atmosphere?” With this question in mind, the project is using one of the principles of permaculture design which is ‘Observe and Replicate Natural Patterns’, to create a garden, which encourages diversity in flora and fauna and supports a sustainable way of life (In permaculture systems design, we mimic natural ecosystem dynamics. If we are very clever in our ability to observe and translate this information to human built ecosystems, we can enhance diversity and yield, while providing for our own right livelihood; provide food, habitat and structural forests for ourselves and wildlife) . The vegetation selected for the garden will be a mixture of fruit trees, vegetable and decorative plants which will serve to trap carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as well as produce food.

The project is also aimed at fostering an active appreciation of nature and biodiversity amongst students by encouraging them to study eco-systems as a network. And because students will be making their own decisions as to what actions to take in their project they will be able to see directly the effect our decisions have on the natural systems around us.

The first phase of the project is for students to create their ponds modeled after a water system found in their own town/ city area or region ( a bog, lake, section of a river etc) , using flora and fauna found within the area. The rate at which each pond grows and develop will depend on the water system being modeled; therefore, groups may work at their own pace.

The second phase is to encourage the expansion of their garden into a forest garden by planting (either in pots/ planters or in the ground if space is available) a mixture of fruit and vegetable trees (dwarf varieties may be used), shrubs, foliage, flowers etc around their tubs to recreate the natural feel and look of a forest. Again using the principles of permaculture, students are encouraged to use organic means to fertilize and care for their plants. In fact by using a variety of plants and trees (which will attract a variety of insects and birds), the nutritional needs of the soil will be met. (Students are also encouraged to create a compost heap from the fallen leaves and other organic material from in and around their homes and school area, and use this fertilizer in their project, if possible). At the end of the project, when the garden forest has reached a certain level of maturity, the system ought to be more or less self sustaining with little effort to maintain.

Age/level of project participants: This project maybe scaled to suit any level

• September - October - Teacher and students identify and classify areas of natural vegetation near to them. Select one for study.
• October - November students start work on designing and building their ponds. Choice of containers, types of vegetation to be included, aqua life etc.
• November-January - observations made about the pond, how is it adapting, changing with weather etc. Students record changes. * If pond needs “help” to grow or survive, in winter months students based on observations are to make that decision and observe what effects their actions have on pond.
• January - February - teachers and students visit site project is modeled after, to observe the layer of vegetation, species etc. ( if possible). Classroom discussions held. Students decide what can be replicated and source materials.
• March-May - planting of “forest trees”, foliage, vegetables etc around pond.
• May onwards, observe and monitor growth of trees etc. Time how long it takes to bear. Test soil - acidity, measure, rainfall.

Possible project/classroom activities:
(a) Creation and exchange of “Micro- Monsters” colouring books i.e. the micro organisms found within the individual ponds they have designed.
(b) Benefit from their projects by eventually reaping food from their gardens grown through organic means. ‘Market Days’- where they can sell some of their produce to fellow teachers and students. Language classes also use this opportunity to practice the languages they are studying, eg. Spanish market day, where students only speak in Spanish to each other.
(c) Map ( through photographs, sketches, notes etc) how species adapt to their environment and the growth of their forest garden.
(d) Dialogue between participating members about their observations of the natural environment and specifically about the changes their actions have on their projects.

Expected outcomes/products:
A drawing collection of micro organisms found in specific areas from across the globe Creation of a ' Tub Garden Family' Map A Deeper understanding of micro eco-systems across the globe and the way in which permaculture can contribute to a sustainable way of life.

Project contribution to others and the planet:
(a) It will encourage students to engage in a holistic sustainable means of agriculture (permaculture)
(b) It will contribute to food production (food security) and well as self sufficiency.
(c) Students will be able to glean a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of eco-systems and learn how to exist in harmony in a natural environment.
(d) Students will be able to observe and record the changes that man’s actions have on the natural environment.
(e) It may contribute to buffering some effects of global warming, by encouraging the growth of trees especially in urban areas.

Project language(s): English

Curriculum area: Geography, Ecology, Environmental Science, Agriculture

Names/email of initial participating groups: Hillview College - yema.jaikaran@yahoo.com

Name of facilitator(s): Yema Jaikaran

Email of facilitator(s): yema.jaikaran@yahoo.com Main facilitator.

iEARN Forum where it will take place or is taking place:
Gia Gaspard Tyalor - ndystt@gmail.com
http://www.iearntandt.interconnection.org

additional links:http://www.wasamakipermaculture.org