Progress and Growth

It was a beautiful morning on 26th May. There was no rain and the weather was just great.

Hock Keat came and installed a tap to our water tank and we had it filled. Yay, we have water at last. The other exciting news is that there are signs of growth in the children's patch. Some of the groundnuts have sprouted and are doing quite well. The rest of the plants are doing well too, except for the pandan, which leaves are yellowing. Hopefully there will be a pandan revival when we gather this Sunday, or they will have to be removed, and that would be sad indeed. Oh yes, we planted some turmeric in the ground and sowed some okra and gourd seeds in pots.

We built another framework and we had help from a lady. Hats off to her!

Seeing growth on the land is really encouraging and having the willing people tending to its needs is really beyond words. I echo what Joel said, "I'm very proud of our gardening club!".

Phui Yee's hard at work preparing
the wood for the framework

She's handy with the saw

Another vegetable plot being prepared

They have their own uniform...

Everyone doing his/her bit

The 2nd framework being put up

This is hardwork indeed..

Getting ready to plant

Last Saturday, 19th May 2012, we did more work on our plot.

It was nice to see our lemongrass growing with new green shoots and to our amazement, our only banana plant is still standing, thankfully! We added some pandan plants and sweet potato shoots. The children have their own little plot which they sowed some groundnuts, which they are eagerly waiting to germinate.

The highlight on Saturday was the building of the framework for climbing plants. We managed to get one up with much thanks from the guys who came to help.

Therefore the work continue... and we are glad of the many support from friends who offered to water during the week, collecting seeds and plants for planting and for sponsoring the work.

This water tank delivered on 11th May2012,
will be used to collect  rainwater for the watering of the plants.

Thank goodness we have someone who
could fix our tools!

Oh, the joy in digging the soil!

"Um, where are the ants?"

"Yes, look up to me... I'm holding the hammer!"

Building the wooden framework

Making sure that the line is straight.

Learning from the wise.

Look, no nails!

The new pandan plants next to the
already growing lemongrass.

Everyone doing their bit.

The start of hardwork...

On 29th April 2012, a group of us took on the task of digging part of Jericho land to prepare the soil for planting vegetables. We started at 4:30pm and it was hot!

The group was great, as the heat from the scorching sun did nothing to dampen our enthusiasm. At the end of the day, we thought we did a pretty good job!

The Little Helpers

Clearing the weeds by digging them out

Stones were removed as well

'Nicholas the Great' at work

Thit Meng digging a compost hole

We continued work on 5th May 2012 at 7:30am. The weather was totally different from the last time we worked. It was cooling as there was a slight drizzle. Again, we did not let the rain stop us and we continued on. We brought along with us some lemongrass and a banana plant, which will be our first greens.

Continued to remove any unwanted stones

Loosening the soil as much as we can

A happy to toil team

Emmanuel in our midst 

Clearing new grounds

Our new banana plant

Getting the plots ready to receive the plants

An experienced hand.. Uncle Fah Shin!

It needed teamwork

Putting the banana plant in its proper place

Adjusting, adjusting...

A wonderful time of fellowship as well

Much was done finally

Coming up soon... The trellises for the plants and it will be another hard day's work! :)