AT Bowen Public School, it’s anything grows.
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Thanks to a state government-funded $3500 Environmental Trust Food Gardens in Schools program grant last December, Bowen now boasts its own vegetable garden, affectionately dubbed the Bowen Bounty Vege Garden.
Relieving assistant principal of infants Kelly Chambers believes once spring hits in full, the school’s students will relish the opportunity to immerse themselves in the new garden.
“They love getting out here already,” she said.
“It’s been pretty slow because it’s winter time, so not much is growing, but they’re quite enjoying coming out and seeing what is growing, and watering and taking responsibility.
“They’re looking forward to being able to taste it when it comes.”
Mrs Chambers said the garden would also inspire the students’ future choice of employment, with the horticultural and cooking benefits of the garden “opening their eyes as to what’s around.”
“It’s an awesome opportunity for the kids to see how food grows and to be responsible for it and see the whole process,” she added.
On hand to help officially open the food-inspired venture, member for Orange Andrew Gee praised the work of the teachers and volunteers who helped make the garden a reality.
“To all of the staff here at Bowen, thank you very much,” he said in a speech to the Bowen students and staff.
“I think we as a community are very proud of all the initiatives that you’re putting into place, a great example of which is Bowen’s Bounty.”
Mr Gee thanked Rotary for their support of the project as well.
“Thank you for getting behind this project. The results speak for themselves,” he added.
The Bowen Bounty’s first harvest will be handed to Masterchef winner Kate Bracks, who will come in and cook with the students.
Various classes will also use the food in their cooking ventures.
“It’s about teaching them how to be healthy and teaching them what seasonal foods are, when you can eat them and what goes with what,” Mrs Chambers said.
nick.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au