Set on 112 acres of farmland and bush, Geneva Christian College is reconnecting students with nature through its revitalized Kitchen and Garden program. Supported by Seed the Future, K-6 students are learning hands-on skills like companion planting, composting, and no-dig gardening - all while celebrating the school’s rich gardening heritage. We spoke with Matt Stanway and Jess Deverell from the Geneva Christian School Garden Teaching team.
What does the school garden look like?
The school is situated on approximately 112 acres of farm and bushland in the Northwest of Tasmania. 180 students across our K-6 primary program participate in the Kitchen and Garden program.
“…Geneva was the first independent Christian school in northwest Tasmania. It was a lovely place for a school with its open country, animals and gardens. Even today the beautiful grounds at Geneva are part of what makes it so special” – From ‘The Story of Geneva Christian College’
Geneva Christian College has always had a garden. From being a working farm called 'Hazeldene', before it first became a school in the late 1960’s, and onwards to today. Its gardening heritage includes a market garden worked by school staff, that provided produce in the early days that was sold to help finance school services to keep fees low.
Our current program is based around the Australian Curriculum (ACARA) and utilises the framework and assessment outcomes of Design and Technologies ver. 9. We hope to continue the important work that has gone before, providing primary students with opportunities for hands-on learning both in the kitchen and the garden.
In the garden we have a number of raised garden beds, an orchard and we are starting a no-dig section comprising of four 20m x 1.5m beds still under construction.
Last summer we grew 6 beds of ‘Three Sisters’ companion planting (corn, beans and pumpkin). The corn chosen was a popping variety, as I remember how excited I was when I found out that popcorn was not a manufactured product, but a variety of corn with a higher oil content. The kids like this too!
What are students growing through Seed The Future?
Students grew all sorts of plants through the ‘Seed the Future’ program.
Some of these include: broad beans, carrot, onion, corn, snow peas and several types of flowers. We are starting to guild some of our fruit trees with the flower seedlings grown from Diggers seeds!
What have students learnt during this program?
Plenty. Companion planting with the Three Sisters [a companion planting method which uses corn, squash and beans], paper pot making, compost making, no dig bed design, raised garden renewal/refresh, songs about sowing seeds and pollination. Weeds. Good and bad insects. Worms. How trees can talk to each other! Mycorrhizal fungi. The list goes on.
What is Seed the Future?
Seed the Future is a community initiative by The Diggers Club, supporting schools, community gardens, and local projects with donated heirloom seeds. Through these partnerships, we aim to inspire new generations to grow fresh, nutritious food and foster a love for gardening.
For every new membership, we donate one packet of seeds to #seedthefuture.
How can we support your school or garden?
If you would like to become a recipient of our Seed The Future fund, we would love to hear from you!
We are looking to help schools and communities who are in need of our support by way of donation of seeds. It's easy to get involved, the first step is to email foundation@diggers.com.au with your request. We will soon be in touch to discuss your needs and eligibility.
