This term the Year 4/5 classes have been participating in the Kitchen Garden program. Students have been extremely productive, harvesting, mulching, weeding, seed saving, planting, preparing garden beds for summer seedlings, building structures for climbing plants and constructing protective covers for our fruit trees.

Our MasterChef’s have also been cooking up a storm in the kitchen using beautiful fresh seasonal produce from the garden. Some of the student’s favourite dishes this term were; Kale and Parsley Dip, Herb and Garlic Rice, Pasta with Sage and Burnt Butter Sauce, Saltbush and Muntrie Soda Bread, Lemonade Scones with Homemade Apricot Jam, Peach and Coconut Ice cream, Deconstructed Fruit Crumble and Lavender Lemonade.

Even with the unseasonal weather the garden this year was still very productive producing enough fruit, vegetables and herbs to sustain our cooking lessons throughout the year. We had an abundance of apples, stone fruits, carrots, silver beet, figs and we even had our very first (small) crop of oranges! Our summer seedlings have now been planted and we look forward more productive crops next year.

Once again, we would not be able to run this amazing, educational and beneficial program without the ongoing support of wonderful volunteers who give up their time to assist students in both garden and cooking lessons. From students, staff and myself we cannot thank you enough for the valuable help you have been able to provide the program throughout the year. Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Michele Smith

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program Coordinator

Volunteer Mobile 0408637850