Mapping in the Garden

During the learning portion of the morning, we covered the sun’s path across the sky. This was especially relevant with the summer solstice approaching soon, meaning the sun will be in the sky for the longest period of time all year in the Northern Hemisphere. Through this, we learned how our latitude on Earth affects the sun's path. To help us understand this movement at different points of the year, we did a physical activity using our bodies to trace the path of the sun.

 

We spent the rest of the morning learning more about these celestial paths from Susan, deepening our understanding of the summer and winter solstices, as well as the two equinoxes in March and September. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to practice physically acting out the pattern of the sun right in the garden.

 

To start the morning on a delicious note, Ladan made wonderful muffins for the group to enjoy as an excellent snack.

  

This is a pinhole photograph capturing the sun's path from the Orchard Garden over the course of an entire year.

 

Here is our Orchard Garden sundial, which we learned how to use to tell the time. We faced the sundial toward the north, and then had someone stand on the marking for the month of June.

 

  

The sun above us. 

 

After lunch, we worked on an activity centred around mapping the garden, which was led by Saul. We were all given paper and colouring materials, along with time to map out the space. It was fascinating to see how much everyone’s maps varied. Many people highlighted the places in the garden that meant the most to them, like specific fruit trees or a favourite meet-up spot. Some maps were quite abstract, while others were highly factual. Kat’s map uses a variety of colourful artistic techniques to beautifully capture the spirit of the Orchard Garden.

Kat’s map of the Orchard Garden.

 

It is amazing to see the fruit on the autumn olive tree starting to ripen.

 

It is also very exciting to see the carrots sprout! Jillian and Katie planted them at the beginning of our time in the garden.

 

The raspberries are continuing to ripen in clusters. Hopefully, we can make use of them for our upcoming Summer Solstice Festival.

 

Here are some of the Orchard Garden books we looked through for potential use in our festival and Saturday workshop.

 

 

By Keegan and Lu