Gardening

“All of nature begins to whisper its secrets to us through its sounds. Sounds that were previously incomprehensible to our soul now become the meaningful language of nature.” 

Rudolf Steiner

At Willunga Waldorf School the Gardening programme is introduced in Class 6 and continues through to Class 10. This valuable time spent in the Education Garden allows students to connect and develop a deeper appreciation to the natural world around them. Through participation in various hands-on tasks and by experiencing the gradual growth and seasonal changes of the plant’s, students are engaged in learning botany, environmental science, sustainability, teamwork and patience. Organic and biodynamic methods are introduced through succession and companion planting, composting, pest management and fertilising. The students understand that nothing is wasted in the garden by composting all organic waste and then renewing their gardens topsoil and feeding the fruit trees every new growing season.

The younger classes are introduced to principals of planting and growing with a focus on the importance of good soil health. Each student is the custodian of their own garden plot propagating from seed, maintaining their beds through the seasons, learning about the correct timing of harvest and finally enjoying the exciting event of cooking and sharing the produce amongst the class and wider community. The older years are engaged in the more expansive horticultural tasks taking place in the nursery, market garden, the orchard, vineyard and various landscape projects. Various preserving techniques illustrate to the older students not only the importance of not wasting fresh produce but also the benefits of enjoying round the year seasonal foods.

As well as planting and cultivating flowers and vegetables, students also observe the local flora and fauna around the schools wetland and bush corridor. Participating in water monitoring and fauna and flora identification, provides students with a greater understanding of ecology and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. Local seed is collected, propagated and then planted to restore habitat and further encourage biodiversity around the school grounds.

It is hoped that through the gardening lessons Willunga Waldorf students develop a stronger sense of responsibility to their environment and society, learning important life skills that will guide them to live a more healthy, independent and sustainable future.

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