Victorian Schools Garden Program

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Victorian Schools Garden Program School gardens are places where children can learn about productive gardening, biodiversity and sustainability.

The VSGP supports and inspires schools to develop and utilise their green spaces as outdoor learning environments to enrich student learning, health, and wellbeing. Established by Paul Crowe OAM and the late Kevin Heinze in 1977, the Victorian Schools Garden Program (VSGP) supports school communities to use their outdoor space as an enriching learning environment whilst exposing children to the many benefits of gardening. They provide the perfect environment in which to engage the young and old alike – bringing students, teachers, parents and local communities together in a shared experience of ‘hands on’ learning. The Victorian Schools Garden Program comprises of:

Grants – Encouraging schools to start new gardens or repair existing gardens by providing funding towards school’s garden projects. Awards – Recognising and rewarding the achievements of students and school communities in their gardening endeavours. Professional Development Workshops (PDW) – Providing teachers and volunteers the basics of school gardens and engaging our children in outdoor learning. School Garden Incursion – Offers free direct hands-on learning experience for Victorian Primary students in gardening and sustainability. The Grants and Awards programs are open to all Victorian State Government, Catholic and Independent Schools.

23/09/2026
🌱 Congratulations to our 2026 School Garden Champion - Karen Murray! 🌱Following an incredible 68 nominations, this year ...
14/09/2026

🌱 Congratulations to our 2026 School Garden Champion - Karen Murray! 🌱

Following an incredible 68 nominations, this year the VSGP recognised two finalists alongside our overall winner for the first time.

👏 Darren Wood – Bright P–12 College, Finalist
Recognised for transforming gardening at his school and creating inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities for students from Prep to Year 12.

👏 Helena McAloon – Jackson School, Finalist
Recognised for developing the school farm into an inclusive and therapeutic learning environment where students with diverse learning needs can build confidence, independence and practical life skills.

🏆 2026 School Garden Champion – Karen Murray, Sunshine North Primary School

Karen brings together sustainability, biodiversity and First Nations perspectives through the school’s kitchen garden, bush tucker and habitat gardens, and Koorie Seed Gathering and Planting Initiative.

💚 Congratulations to Karen, Darren and Helena, and a huge thank you to all 68 nominees for the passion, time and care you bring to your school gardens and communities. You are all helping school gardens thrive!

Click below to view all 2026 Nominees https://www.vsgp.org.au/seeds-of-change-a-morning-of-celebrating-school-gardens-and-their-champions/

On Tuesday, Colac Secondary College proudly represented the Victorian Schools Garden Program and Greenlife Industry Vict...
27/08/2026

On Tuesday, Colac Secondary College proudly represented the Victorian Schools Garden Program and Greenlife Industry Victoria at Parliament House.

The students showcased their skills by teaching guests how to make newspaper pots and plant lettuce seedlings, while sharing the important role the Farm My School garden program plays in their learning.

Richard Riordan MP, the local Member for Polwarth, joined in the activity before treating the students to a private tour of Parliament House.

2026 Awards Entries Now Open! The VSGP Awards celebrate the gardening achievements of students and their school communit...
20/08/2026

2026 Awards Entries Now Open!

The VSGP Awards celebrate the gardening achievements of students and their school communities in both existing and newly established gardens.

Award entries open on Monday 10 August and close at 5.00 pm on Friday 11 September.

With over $47,000 in prizes across 11 award categories, schools and kindergartens can submit one or multiple entries and our new streamlined entry template makes the process easier than ever.

It's not the size or appearance of your garden that matters. The Awards recognise schools and kindergartens that use outdoor spaces to inspire learning, improve wellbeing, encourage sustainable practices, and bring their community together.

Go to https://www.vsgp.org.au/vsga-awards-program/ to view the 2026 Award Categories or to find out more.

16/08/2026

Sometimes all we need is a little direction in the garden. That's where Victorian Schools Garden Program free incursions come in!

Choose from 6 different topics:

🌱 3 Ways to Start a Garden
🌱 Compost
🌱 From Kitchen to Garden
🌱 Garden Rejuvenation
🌱 Gardening for Insects
🌱 Worm in Schools.

Apply now for the opportunity to enjoy hands-on learning in the garden at your school!

Find out more: https://www.vsgp.org.au/incursions/

Image description: Students overlooking a garden bed. Text: Victorian Schools Garden Program. Free primary school incursions. Apply now. Victorian Schools Garden Program logo.

Address

3/307 Wattletree Road
Malvern, VIC
3146

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

03 9576 0599

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