Posted by Lesley McCarthy on Apr 26, 2019
 
Easter Saturday found Flemington Kensington Rotarians transforming the gardens at Debney Meadows Primary School.  The project, partly funded by a District 9800 Foundation grant will revive the tired old gardens and transform them into a sustainable, edible native garden for the children to tend and enjoy.
 
  Starting by removing the tired old mulch and soil, the crew replenished
  the garden beds, laid irrigation tubing and weedmat and then replaced
  the mulch.
 
Other members painted the handrails on the front steps and laid bright yellow safety step tape, enhancing the front entrance to the delight of parents, children and staff.
 
 
Stage 2 will find members and families planting out the first of the native shrubs and trees.  Appropriate plantings have ben designed by Professor Hugh Stewart of the Forestry Department of Melbourne University and Ros Nataprawira of the Native Plant Society.
 
Bunnings Maribyrnong has been amazing in their support for this project with donations of irrigation tubing, weedmat, paint and safety tape and taps.
 
This project is part of a 3 stage effort to upgrade the gardens and appearance of the school.
Together with an environment and health curriculum which will be implemented by teachers, the upgrades will include food and vegetable gardens, fruit trees and sustainable native plantings.
 Further along the project will include upgrades of playing areas and shade plantings and seats.
Together We Grow will include teaching about different fruits and vegetables, how to grow harvest and cook them nd some clases on food preparation, nutrition and healthy eating.