Project Overview:

Spring Mountain State School is a newly built school with minimal natural habitats. To help create a sustainable and connected space to bring the community together, the school set about using its 2022 Lendlease Junior Landcare Grant to fund the initial development of the Spring Mountain Community Garden.

In addition to creating new natural habitats for bird life and insects with the development of the garden beds and bee hive, the space also includes native plants, fruits, vegetables and compost tumblers to encourage and support sustainable gardening and food production practices. 

Educational Outcomes

Thanks to the garden, Spring Mountain State School students have been able to enjoy hands-on learning about composting, pollination food production and vegetation. The project also provides the opportunity to embed real life maths and science concepts within the curriculum by allowing students to record data, plant and grow their own vegetables. They are also able to learn about the life cycles of frogs, bees, and insects with the addition of a frog pond and stingless bee hive; as well as more about Aboriginal culture with the introduction of native plants.

Environmental Outcomes

A total of 180 native, fruit, vegetable and herb plants were planted in the garden, with volunteers helping out with the works. Three worm farms, two insect hotels and one bee hive were also installed.

The introduction of bees into the garden proved to be a highlight for the students, who have been able to learn more about native bees and what they can do for the pollination of the garden. 

Conclusion

Within the Spring Mountain catchment, the Spring Mountain Community Garden is the first of its kind to offer partnership between the Spring Mountain school and community.

“I am so happy to have this first stage of the Spring Mountain Community Garden completed so people can access the space and start to see it take life,” shared Cassie Boulter, parent at Spring Mountain State School, “bringing together the Spring Mountain Community to be able to garden and socialise working together to drive greater environmental and social outcomes.” 

Learning Activity

Planting flowers with food crops increases biodiversity, and is known as beneficial planting. To create a beneficial garden at your school, early learning centre or youth group, explore the ‘Creating a beneficial garden’ sequence of Learning Activities, here.