VCAL matters

Hands on horticulture!

Michael Bartley

VCAL Coordinator

As part of the 2021 VCAL program, and to support our aim to become a more sustainable environment,  this term the college installed a wicking bed vegetable and herb garden.

The team from  a fabulous local business, Very Edible Gardens, led the class and explained the concept of wicking beds, why they are so useful (especially in an urban setting), how sustainable they are and how a wicking bed will benefit the school in the long term.  They then demonstrated the construction principles of the wicking bed,  with the help of some muscle provided by the VCAL students.  Not only did students learn about wicking beds,  but were also treated to on-the-job tuition in worksafe practices - a must for a building project such as this.

Made from reclaimed timber, this bed will be used to supply our Food Studies kitchen with fresh herbs and has been installed conveniently adjacent to the H Block (Food Studies hub). The VCAL students plan to redevelop the old kitchen garden site by  building their own wicking beds from recycled products, and will use these projects to support their learning outcomes across their Literacy and Numeracy, work skills and personal skills studies.  

Click on the gallery to enlarge photos.

We look forward to watching them grow!

To read more about wicking beds,  go the the Very Edible Gardens  website - it is full of interesting and informative information. The friendly team is situated in Fallon Street and only a phone call away  if you are interested in installing a garden or purchasing a  wicking kit.  They can also assist with a range of other sustainable solutions - from providing tuition courses right through to edible landscaping!