By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A GROUP of Hampton Park primary school students had nature at their fingertips last week.
As part of equipment company STIHL’s My Green Wall program, grade-three students from Kilberry Valley Primary School were given a vertical garden on Thursday – complete with the supplies required to grow plants over a period of time.
Shane and Gai Russell, from Powerquip Sales and Service, provided the vertical garden which aims to encourage students to spend time outdoors and to learn about their natural environment.
A spokesperson for STIHL said the Green Wall project had succeeded in encouraging primary school children across the state to get outside and be inspired by nature.
“Selected grade-three classes in primary schools across the country will be provided with a GreenWall – a beautiful vertical garden which provides space for pots, that students will grow plants in and nurture,” the spokesperson said.
As well as the vertical garden, the grade-three classes will receive a curriculum compliant lesson plan designed in consultation with Cool Australia to help teachers integrate practical learning into the program.
The lesson plans and classroom activities include seed germination, plant structure identification, watering and fertilising, plant growth and harvesting.
Students in participating classes will also receive a fun take-home kit which includes materials for each child.
“It comprises of a plastic trowel, gardening apron, gloves and seeds. Students will receive one plastic pot for students to use at school, and another to take home and share with family,” the spokesperson said.
“Schools that register for the My Green Wall program will also be eligible for My Working Bee, which will allow schools to use selected STIHL loan equipment to assist and support their planned working bees.”
For more information visit www.stihl.com.au
