A drab school corner has been transformed into a colourful space full of edible delights for Melton Specialist School students.
Thanks to a $900 grant from Western Water, the creativity of projects officer Breeanna Guardabascio and the work of students, a vertical garden made of pipes and filled with herbs and vegies has been installed.
Ms Guardabascio said the students were excited when the garden finally came to life a few weeks ago.
“It’s a sensory, friendly place for them. Basically, it means kids can touch the plants, smell them and look at the different colours,” she said.
“The students can interact with something that suits them.
“And it offers an alternative for the kids who want to take a break – they can go into that area to calm down.”
The grade 2 pupils are responsible for looking after the plants, while the rest of the school will use the herbs and plants in their food technology classes.
“Students can see how things grow, how they change what a plant needs to survive and where they can use them,” Ms Guardabascio said.
“The garden adds another dimension to the kids’ learning. It exposes them to different learning and sensory opportunities.”
