Garden guardians Sophie Proctor-Shaw, Isla Lawson, Max Comerford and Sara Tagliaferrogarcia with garden co-ordinator Sarah Anderson in Kemblawarra Public School’s Edible Wonderland. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
If you make your way through Kemblawarra Pubilc School’s brightly coloured playground, you’ll find a magical surprise.
The first sign of something special is the number of bugs and birds that fill the air.
Look a little closer, and you might spot a swarm of tiny native bees among the cicadas and butterflies.
When you pass the demountables you’ll arrive at the school’s Edible Wonderland.
The garden has everything from bananas to silverbeet, fennel and comfrey, with hives for the native bees tucked in shady corners.
Painted and decorated in a vibrant Alice in Wonderland style by artist and art teacher Karlie Donaldson, it’s just the first stop on the trail.
Walk a little further and you’ll find the school’s greenhouse, Dinosaur Garden, Bush Tucker Garden, and the emerging multicultural area with sections that represent French, English, Japanese, Chinese, Persian and Mediterranean influences.
The project began as a school community initiative five years ago and principal Rebeka Schroder credited garden co-ordinator Sarah Anderson with its success.
“She’s the beating heart,” Rebeka said.
“She has upskilled us staff, found overlaps in curriculum and helped make maintenance sustainable by embedding it in school culture.”
Sarah said every part of the garden was designed with students’ experiences in mind, from the soil up.
After testing from the Environment Protection Agency gave the green light for growing food on-site she began a no-dig approach.
Different types of organic matter are layered on top of the earth, lasagne-style, and as they decompose, create a fertile environment to plant in, without the need for hard physical labour.
“It’s a slow, patient game that involves engagement rather than backbreaking work, so the kids get to learn from the very first stage,” Ms Anderson said.
“The students are fantastic, and they take their knowledge home.
“They know that to grow food isn’t a difficult task, it just requires patience and knowledge.”
The principles of permaculture and sustainability are embedded in daily learning experiences as the garden continues to evolve.
All classes contribute to the garden’s care, management and maintenance, but Year 4 students have the honour of being the school’s “garden guardians”.
Garden guardian Max Comerford said the students regularly weeded, mulched or planted.
“It’s a surprise every week,” he said.
“My favourite plant is fennel; it’s super soft and smells and tastes just like licorice.”
Classmate Isla Lawson said her favourite was the chillies, and she loved the biodiversity the garden created.
“The chillies aren’t too spicy; they make your mouth tingle like popping candy,” she said.
“I like seeing all the animals and bugs thrive in the garden, and learning about how we can make that better for them.”
The garden also offers many mental health benefits for students.
Ms Schroder said students got to take ownership and indulge their curiosity.
Year 4 students Sophie Proctor-Shaw and Sara Tagliaferrogarcia agreed.
Sophie said her favourite plant was lavender, for its soothing nature and sweet smell, and said she loved getting to work in the garden beds.
“My favourite part is planting or weeding,” she said.
“You get your hands dirty; it’s really fun.”
Sara said the multicultural garden was her favourite section.
“It has a winding path and you have to watch your step,” she said.
“It helps you to slow down and pay attention.”
The lessons students learn in the garden go beyond growing food, and the garden’s tendrils have begun to sneak out into the wider community.
The space also welcomes community participation and provides smaller, hands-on opportunities for students who are drawn to gardening or outdoor learning.
Ms Anderson said parents and carers often stopped to comment on the garden and walked away with a free plant, cutting, or piece of produce.
“If people are interested we want to share,” she said.
“That way what we’re doing goes beyond the school gates.”
