Students learn how to transform cities into foodbowls
In an Australian first, Casey Grammar in Melbourne’s south-east has installed a state-of-the-art advanced vertical wicking garden, boasting ultra low-maintenance and water use, which is expected to produce around 350kg of vegetables per annum for the school.
The 38m2 square Biofilta vegetable garden is watered by the rainfall runoff from the nearby science building roof, making it hassle free for students and teachers. The unique garden is vertically stacked, allowing for ease of reach for students of all ages and sizes – the beds are bottom watering and the wicking beds work by capillary action – which means they are ultra-water efficient and weed free.
The modular growing system designed by Australian stormwater treatment and urban food specialists, Biofilta, incorporates an innovative air loop in every tub to enable the soil and roots to breath, exchange oxygen, vent heat and keep stored water healthy for long periods. The result is very fast growth, healthy, organic plants and produce all year round.
Biofilta CEO Marc Noyce said “We are very excited in having Casey Grammar as the first school in Australia to install the Foodwall™, which not only helps produce healthy organic produce, but also teaches students where food comes from and how to live more sustainably.”
“Early high school years are critical in changing future attitudes towards the environment and life choices. The robust Biofilta garden products are a perfect match for schools who are time poor but who want to reap the rewards of fresh produce.”
“The technology behind the Biofilta Foodwall™ means that plants flourish with little input from the teacher, and now it is a sea of produce, including beetroot, peas, onions and even corn.”
According to Mal Dunkley, Primary Gardening Teacher, Casey Grammar, the all-new school food garden has been welcomed by the students, teachers and parents.
“Our older style garden took a lot of effort to weed for a smaller yield. The new gardens are virtually weed free, so students become ‘smart gardeners’ who grow the maximum produce for minimum water, space and effort.”
“At this stage, much of the learning is aimed at getting the students familiar with the garden – collecting school food and green waste, composting, worm farms, growing seedlings in the hothouse, the watering system as well as getting to know the diverse range of plants that we are able to grow in our temperate climate.”
“Added to this is how to control pests organically, enrich the soil, when and how to harvest and some basic ideas in how you can use the foods from the garden in the kitchen,” he said.
“A number of parents have expressed a desire to volunteer their time to assist in the garden. Hopefully grandparents and community members will be added to this list. This wider community involvement will give those involved a window into the learning of the students and the opportunity for the students to learn from them as well.”
Biofilta would like to acknowledge that the project was funded from a State Government grant and Casey Grammar.
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