Bianca Tondo

Garden Specialist

Hello Kingswood Community,

What an exciting fortnight it has been in the garden! We were thrilled to welcome the Year 1 and 2 students into the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden (SAKG) program for a special garden and kitchen experience.

For the Year 1 students, this was a hands-on exploration of their term’s unit, Farm to Table.

For the Year 2 students, it was a wonderful opportunity to spark their enthusiasm for joining the SAKG program next year.

Year 1’s Garden Walk: Sensing the Wonder

Each Year 1 class joined me for a walk in our SAKG garden. While I explained that the garden currently holds only what we’ll use in the kitchen this year, the students were captivated by the little details nature had to offer.

We stopped by the fruit trees to observe how small the fruit is at this stage and discussed how we know when fruit is ready to be picked. The students were filled with awe and wonderment when they touched the peaches, marvelling at how furry they felt.

We even pulled a carrot straight from the ground! The fresh, carroty smell reminded us of freshly cut grass, sparking conversations about how food connects us to the earth. The highlight was meeting our hens. Each student got to pat one, marvelling at their soft feathers. These moments reflect the Habit of Mind, “Gathering Data through All Senses,” as the students engaged with the garden using touch, sight and smell.

To finish their visit, the Year 1 students planted a corn seed in a cardboard container to take home, an activity that delighted them as they dug into the soil and learned about nurturing life.

Year 2’s Planting and Sprouting Experience

After preparing sushi in the kitchen, the Year 2 students also planted corn seeds to take home. I shared a sprouted corn seed with them, showing the green tip, the seed and the tiny root emerging. The students’ curiosity and excitement were palpable, with many “oohs” and “aahs”, as they observed the miracle of new growth.

This activity tied in beautifully with our Habit of Mind, “Responding with Wonderment and Awe,” as the students connected with the magic of nature’s processes.

Looking Ahead: Summer Crops and Beyond

As we approach the end of the year, all classes will focus on clearing garden beds and planting summer crops. These crops will flourish over the holidays and be ready for harvest in 2025.

It has been a privilege to work with the Year 1 and 2 students over the past two weeks. Their enthusiasm and excitement for everything in the garden embody our school’s values of creating a love of learning and fostering a connection to community.

Happy Gardening!

TeamKids

Kristine

Director of Service