Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden 

Bianca Tondo 

Garden Specialist

Hello Kingswood Community,

The garden has been a hive of activity as we transition into the heart of winter. Despite the chilly days, students across all year levels have shown enthusiasm, persistence and curiosity as they continue to care for and learn from our vibrant school garden.

What’s been growing and harvested?

We’ve enjoyed harvesting beetroot and radishes, two crops that have thrived thanks to the care and attention of our students. In the raised beds outside the kitchen we have planted a nutritious mix of winter vegetables including cabbages, beetroot, radishes, silverbeet and bok choy. Our students are learning firsthand the value of preparation and patience as they watch these crops develop.

Mandarin Magic!

Our Imperial mandarin tree has been bursting with fruit! The Year 5 students carefully harvested 21.3 kilograms of mandarins. Students checked for ripeness and avoided damaging the skin. The Year 3s also had the chance to taste fresh mandarins straight from the tree, an exciting sensory experience that highlighted the Awe and Wonderment that nature brings.

Seedlings, Weeding and Warmth

The Year 3s have been caring for our new seedlings in the back garden, fertilising them with seaweed liquid and watching their progress with care and enthusiasm. They’ve also had their first experience letting the hens out of the coop , always a joyful moment!

Meanwhile, the Year 4 students have been hard at work clearing garden beds, planting peas and sowing fennel seeds. Their curiosity was piqued by the unique smell of fennel seeds, an unexpected scent of licorice sparking discussion and exploration.

Weeds are on the rise this time of year and many classes have had to show Persistence and Managing Impulsivity by spending the first part of their lessons focusing on weed removal. These efforts are vital in supporting the growth of our winter vegetables.

Hens and Habitats

We’re happy to share that the hens’ roosting room is now complete! Thanks Geoff!  The coop has been cleaned and swept, and fresh straw added to ensure our hens stay warm and dry overnight. This job was completed with care and teamwork, reflecting our school value of 'Responsibility' and the Habit of Mind 'Thinking Interdependently'.

Wet Weather Activities

Even on rainy days, our students remain engaged. Year 3 students measured and packed our harvested mandarins into 1kg bags, explored the garden with curiosity during a garden walk, dug for worms, turned compost, and even made seed packs from recycled paper, demonstrating creativity and sustainability.

A Gentle Reminder

Please help us care for our garden and kitchen program by not picking the mandarins from the trees. These are being reserved for our upcoming cooking classes and every fruit counts!

Thank you for your ongoing support.