Our Palm Trees
We are very lucky to have these tropical trees in our outdoor space! When we were playing in the garden recently, a lady who was passing by stopped to speak with a member of our staff team, explaining that when she had worked here over 20 years ago, these tall trees started out as such little plants! They are now a very special part of our garden so it was lovely to hear the story about how they began. We have contacted the lady we met that day, Margaret Doig, and she has very kindly shared the story in writing with us so that we can also share it with you all.
Almost 25 years ago, when I was teaching in what was then the Infant Dep of Stornoway Primary (Room 4 to be exact) a pupil in my P2 class brought a small plant for us to look after. The children took turns with watering duties and the little plant flourished. So much so that we took cuttings which also grew well. At the end of the school year, we planted the little “trees” outside in a couple of half barrels for the holidays and on our return, were delighted to see they survived the Summer.
We were able then to watch from the classroom window as they continued to grow until they burst out the pots and we decided to plant them into the ground directly outside the classroom. Although we called them our Palm trees, I believe they are actually Cordyline.
In August 2000, I moved back over to the “BIG” side, leaving them behind and a year later left the school altogether to raise my family.
When recently visiting the school, I was delighted to see that our little plants had grown to such an enormous height. They give a fabulous tropical feeling to the area…all we need now is some sunshine!
