Planting on

By Glen Atwell
VCAL students at Cranbourne Secondary College planted more than 200 native plants on Tuesday with a little help from the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and Chisholm TAFE.
The ‘Digging Patch’, as it is affectionately known, is the school’s thriving garden area and students and teachers are working tirelessly to continue improving it.
The Digging Patch features a water-wise design with plants that rarely need watering, and will soon grow bush tucker and plants with medicinal uses.
“We’re working towards a garden that is a total solution,” said Digging Patch enthusiast and German teacher Kjirsten Robb.
“We’ll soon have fruit trees that provide healthy snack options for the students, and allow students to prepare food that they have grown themselves,” Ms Robb said.
“We also plan to establish a rain garden, a herb garden as well as other productive native plants, including those used for food, tools and medicines,” she said.
Cranbourne Secondary College is revamping its Digging Patch and is already well on its way to a total revitalisation. VCAL students recently built a shed to house gardening equipment and six garden beds have been planted.
The school’s food technology students hope to soon use home-grown ingredients when they cook up a storm in class.
Experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and senior students from Chisholm TAFE have lent a helping hand to Cranbourne Secondary College’s VCAL students.
Junior Landcare, Mitre 10 and Casey councillor Kevin Bradford have supported the project.
Ms Robb said the school was thrilled to have the support of local organisations and can’t wait for the garden to grow to dizzying heights.
“This project keeps gaining momentum and we have plenty of support from local business, students, parents and teachers. It’s a community effort,” she said.