News

Open garden school success in SA

Three Kitchen Garden Schools recently participated in the South Australian Open Garden Scheme, throwing their doors open to a curious and appreciative public.

Bridgewater PS, Elizabeth Downs PS and Woodend PS all received many visitors over the weekend and raised some helpful funds at the same time, from gate takings as well as product sales.

Bridgewater PS had six new volunteers sign up for kitchen and garden classes on the day, and received feedback such as: "I wish my kids could go to such a lovely school" and "Well done - there's hope for the future."

Elizabeth Downs PS sold hundreds of dollars worth of preserves, seeds and plants and enjoyed spreading the word about their Kitchen Garden Program.

Woodend PS raised money from jams, quince jelly, pesto, seed packets, plants and seedlings. They also organised a tempting lunch menu of pumpkin soup with foccacia bread, individual rabbit pies and quince slices or marshmallows for their visitors, who were taken on tours of the kitchen and garden by the Elizabeth Downs students:

Visitors were really impressed with not only what they saw, but the knowledge of the students who volunteered their time to man the stalls and the enthusiasm of the volunteers, specialists and staff. They commented on how inspirational the whole project was, the impact it must have on our students lives and how they wished more schools had this to offer. (Monina Gilbey, Kitchen Specialist, Woodend PS)

Well done to all for being such fabulous kitchen garden hosts.

Learn more about the South Australian Open Garden Scheme.