From planting the seeds to pulling out weeds, children at Petit Early Learning Journey in Richmond have been involved every step of the way with the centre’s newly established family garden.
It’s been a fantastic project for the children and centre director Nicole Clements.
The children have been involved in the entire process, at the beginning, the children assisted in pulling out native plants and took them home to re-plant them in their own gardens.
They then also helped to fill up boxes with dirt and chose what they would plant.
Each morning the children excitedly ask Nicole when they can go out to check on the garden, take out the compost and check to see what might have grown.
“We go out every single day and they water the garden, tend to it, they make sure if there any fruits or vegetables we can pick straight out or eat,” Nicole said.
The children have learnt about composting and food scraps, as well as growing different fruits and vegetables.
They were fascinated with the beetroot growing in the garden, and eventually it ended up in a delicious beetroot dip for afternoon tea, teaching children about the value in healthy, homegrown food and the value in fresh produce.
Some of the older children have also taken on the role of teaching their younger counterparts about knowing when to pick the different fruit and vegetables.
The educators teach the children about respecting their natural environment.
Their goal is to pass on information to future generations about environmental sustainability and nurture a love for nature.
Petit Early Learning Journey is located at 27 Church Street in Richmond, visit https://www.petitjourney.com.au/locations/richmond-vic/ for more information or to book a tour.
