At Altona Early Education Centre we are very lucky to have educators that are passionate about sustainable gardens and that have a green thumb. They have been sharing their knowledge and passion with the children and have grown and are maintaining some beautiful gardens.
In the beginning our garden looked sad and unloved. Soon after, Dianne our energetic 3yr old kinder teacher took it under her wing….
Dianne started by explaining the imporatnce of combining soil, compost and mulch to prepare the garden beds. The children helped turn the existing soil with their shovels and garden forks. They then spread new soil and seed raising mix into the garden bed. They also added the worms they raised in their worm farm. Finally, they filled their watering cans and watered the beds well, leaving them for a few days to ‘marinate.
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The following week the children had many discussions on what they would like to grow. They researched many different plants, edible and just for show. They learnt about seasonal plants and discussed whether they could buy seeds, seedlings or pre-established plants. Once our plants arrived, the children dug small holes in the garden bed and added their plants, making sure to use gentle hands. Then they watered their plants well. From then on, the children tend to them a couple of times a week.
Over time, the children have enjoyed growing and eating produce such as radish, pumpkin, parsely, lemons, basil, carrots, etc. They have also loved watching their sunflowers and poppies grow tall.
We have used our radish, lettuce and kale in salads. We have used our kale to make kale chips. We have also frozen some of the edible flowers into camomile tea ice cubes and used them in water play. The children loved adding their very own strawberries to our fruit platters.
We are most excited about our apple and pear trees which are currently flowering and enjoying watching our broccoli plant flower.
The children are very proud when coming to the centre or leaving in the afternoon to show their parents their garden and talk to them about seasons, flowers, fruit and Veg and many other plant related conversations.
We are hoping very soon our herbs are ready to harvest and offer to parents to take home to use in their cooking.
NQS-3.2.3 Environmentally Responsible- The service cares for the environment and supports children to become environmentally responsible.
