Roof gardens in a class of their own
NGO Green Power has launched a programme to fund rooftop gardens at three local schools.
The group, which promotes environmental protection and green lifestyle, is developing the project with its sponsor, Citic Bank International.
HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, Baptist Lui Ming Choi Primary School and Precious Blood Primary School (South Horizons) were selected according to different criteria. First, they had to have a flat roof of reasonable size. They also had to agree that students would be able to access the roof and eventually manage the gardens. How the schools planned to use the garden for environmental education was also taken into consideration.
The HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity was the first to develop its rooftop garden, which features herbs. When the garden opened in late October, it already featured 10 kinds of herbs including mint, basil, lavender, rosemary and Cape jasmine. For the opening ceremony, the students created more than a dozen artworks made of herbs.
Now that the garden is established, its care will pass to the students, although Green Power will continue to provide regular technical help. The garden will be open to the public twice a year.
Baptist Lui Ming Choi Primary School is developing a butterfly garden and Precious Blood Primary School will plant organic vegetables.
YP junior reporter Janet Tam Ka-wing and Olivia Chavassieu
