Recognition grows for school passionate about gardens

AN Ocean Grove school has been celebrated for its gardening achievements.

Surfside Primary School recently won the regional garden award for the south western region at The Victorian School Gardens Awards held at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

“We are an established Stephanie Alexander kitchen garden program school with all students in grades 3 to 6 accessing weekly kitchen and garden classes,” Kitchen garden specialist Anna Baird said.

“Currently there are 220 students involved in the program.

“This year we have grown tomatoes, kale, cabbage, lettuce, rocket, cucumbers, corn, pumpkin, capsicums, potato, sweet potato, fennel, asparagus, silverbeet, leek, onions, spring onions, parsley, thyme, coriander, basil, beetroot, carrots, chives, baby spinach, calendula and many other fruits such as apples, raspberries, cherries, apricots, plums and pears.”

She said students learnt how to grow plants from seed, mulch, fertilise and water the plants until they were ready to harvest.

“The students then prepare the food in the kitchen sessions, where up to six dishes are cooked by the students and a shared meal at the end of the kitchen session, which is often a highlight.

“The students get to experience the benefits of fresh seasonal produce picked from the school garden.”

With the prize money from the award, Ms Baird said the school was looking to buy a fig tree, seedlings for next season and more mushroom compost and mulch for the garden beds.

The Victorian Schools Garden Awards encourage school communities to develop, grow and celebrate their gardening achievements.