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Schools can build their dream garden or outdoor classroom with the help of the Yates Junior Landcare Grants for Gardens program, which is now open for applications.

15 grants valued at $2,000 each are available for schools, youth groups and childcare centres, who will benefit from $1,500 in funding, $500 of Yates garden products and a growing consultation with a Yates gardening expert. Yates is excited to join groups for a consultation to help them uncover the joy of the garden, and wants to arm kids with the tips and tricks to help their garden thrive.

Interested groups are invited to submit a design for their dream garden within their school grounds or communities. Yates and Junior Landcare are looking for young imaginations to run wild, and think about the kind of garden they would love to grow. Veggie gardens, butterfly gardens, bush tucker and sensory gardens are just some of the projects that have been previously funded.

Angie Thomas, Yates Horticultural Communications Manager, is excited to be offering this program again.

“I am thrilled that this program is offered to schools and groups around Australia. There is nothing better than planting your first seed, growing your patch and pulling out your first carrot. Last year’s program saw 1,100 students and 100 volunteers get grubby on 13 fantastic, creative projects. I can’t wait to see the applications this year,” she said.

Tessa Jakszewicz, Landcare Australia CEO, is encouraging schools to think about the benefits of outdoor learning for students.

“There are over 1,000 gardens in Junior Landcare schools across Australia, and the benefits of projects like these for students are vast. They educate our young people about the importance of caring for our natural environment, where our food comes from, and provides opportunities to link outdoor learning projects with curriculum subjects,” she said.

The Yates Junior Landcare Grants for Gardens program is currently open for applications via the Junior Landcare website. Applications close on Thursday 29 June; stories from previous Junior Landcare grant recipients are online to provide inspiration.