By Tyler Wright
Monbulk College is on its way to creating a more sustainable environment for students after creating vegetable and plant gardens at a recent working bee.
With the help of local sustainability warrior Joost Bakker, volunteers from the school community created a large concrete space between the school bus road and new buildings with recycled tubs filled with donated heritage variety winter vegetables, bush tucker plants and fruit trees from local nurseries.
Monbulk College assistant principal Fiona McNair said it is important to build connections with skilled people who can bring new ideas and inspire students.
“From that there’s been lots of conversations about the next project, or what we could do within the school community and the local community because our oval is a community oval, so our local Monbulk football and cricket club use that as well,” Ms McNair said.
“We’re hoping that the flow on effect of this will go wider than just the school community.”
Students will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the gardens, with lessons planned in sustainability, biodiversity, healthy eating and supporting pollinators.
Year 9 student and middle school college captain Jasper Francis said being an forested area surrounded by local nurseries, a sense of sustainability and caring for the environment is “very important” for students.
“Concrete is quite harsh… but now we have these big barrels, dressing up the place and giving it more of a cosy feel,” he said.
Kale, broccoli, rocket, radishes, vast range of lettuces, beetroot, carrot and asparagus are among the vegetables now planted in the garden beds.
Valley Hedge and Vegetation and Renaissance Herbs have supported the project, with Mr Bakker donating recycled materials to help bring the project to life.
Mr Bakker previously used the barrels in his recent Future Foods project at Federation Square.
