Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

On Thursday, March 26th, students from Grades 3–6 visited the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show at Carlton Gardens. We were fortunate to begin the day in beautiful sunshine, and although a few showers arrived later, they certainly didn’t dampen our spirits. Throughout the day, students enjoyed a variety of hands-on activities, including planting vegetable seedlings, bulbs, and herbs. Even though our scarecrow Eco didn't win any awards, it was a great experience to enter the competition and see the other schools scarecrows.

We explored engaging children’s activities hosted by organisations such as SAKG, Zoos Victoria, ABC Gardening Australia, Beyond Blue, and the Victorian Schools Gardening Program. These included treasure hunts, planting workshops, outdoor games, texture gardens, and weaving experiences. Students also admired creative garden sculptures and participated in an additional treasure hunt run by Bunnings, and they recieved bee-friendly seeds. It was a fun, educational, and inspiring day for everyone involved.

Garden

It has been a busy time in the garden as we continue harvesting and preparing for autumn planting. We are very grateful to have received four new wicking beds through a generous donation. Two of these have already been built and planted out, and we look forward to constructing the remaining two over the school holidays.

We recently enjoyed an incursion from the Victorian School Gardens Program called Gardening for Insects. Students explored the difference between beneficial insects and those that are less welcome in our gardens. They learned how some insects play an important role in supporting plant growth, while others can cause damage.

The session also introduced the concept of companion planting and how it can be used to attract helpful insects and deter pests. To finish, students put their learning into action by planting a selection of plants in the school garden that will encourage beneficial insects to visit.

Kitchen

We have been busy in the kitchen, learning about breadmaking and kneading as we made some delicious traditional and chocolate hot cross buns! Even though we didn't have a lot of time to allow them to prove, they turned out pretty well!

Take a look at the size of that zucchini!!!

We enjoyed stuffed zucchini boats a couple of weeks ago but this one would have made a ship!

Many thanks to Jen, Tash and Sarah who have been volunteering this term, we can't do it without you!