Project Profile

Summary

The children participated in gardening sessions with Kylie Garde in which they learned about soil, the texture, the smell, the composition and they also did soil tests in various areas around the school. They got taught about what plants require to survive and what they can contribute and take from the soil. The children then participated in sowing a green manure consisting of kidney beans, lentils, soy beans, black eyed beans and broad bean mix and after two weeks we dug it all in.

Seedlings were planted that the children had raised from seeds which were donated to the school. They also broad casted basil in the bathtubs (garden beds) and watermelon in a circular patch which the children made especially for this purpose. After the school holidays there was an abundance of basil and green leafies, watermelon, zucchinis, tomatoes and capsicums so the children completed their experience by doing a harvest for their classroom and eating it all up!!

Children have been made aware of the process of preparing the soil, seeding, replanting, taking care of the plants and harvesting. The full circle process involved in gardening. Plans are now established to sell produce at the weekly school markets with funds raised going back into the garden projects.

The nutritional value of the soil within the school grounds has been increased because of the green manure, compost etc. The native bush plants have only been ordered last week, and will be planted after the heat of summer subdues and
we invisage the native plants attracting more birdlife to the area. Children have been made aware of the effort involved in preparation, seeding, planting, looking after and finally harvesting the crops. They are more aware of the natural environment around them.

In regards to the bush tucker plants we are teeing up an elder of the area to do a talk, a basic introduction to bush foods, herbs and utensils for the children and wider school community. Although with a busy schedule they are unavailable until April it works out well, this is around the time we will be planting out all native plants, when the soil is moist.

The West Coast Steiner School would like to express our deepest gratitude to Coles and Landcare to provide our school with such a wonderful opportunity.

Photography

West Coast Steiner School