Victorian Schools Garden Program

2026 VSGP Grant Recipients Announced

Demand for this year’s grants remained exceptionally strong, with 815 applications received from 375 schools and kindergartens across Victoria. The high level of interest reflects the growing commitment of educational communities to creating gardens that support learning, wellbeing, sustainability and connection with nature.

The quality of applications was outstanding, making the assessment process highly competitive. We congratulate all successful recipients and look forward to seeing their projects come to life.

The VSGP extends its sincere thanks to the many schools and kindergartens whose applications were unsuccessful this year, for the time and effort invested in developing and submitting their projects. All submissions are a testament to the value placed on garden-based learning throughout Victoria.

We also thank our generous sponsors whose ongoing commitment makes these grants possible and helps schools and kindergartens create inspiring outdoor learning spaces for students.

Visit https://www.vsgp.org.au/vsga-grants-program/ to see the 2026 Grant Recipients

Book now to attend the School Gardens to Activate Community workshop - Thursday 14 May at Farm My School - Colac Secondary College. https://mailchi.mp/05a009000947/victorian-school-garden-program-enews-february-10474917

Free Hands On Horticulture Experiences for Your Students - https://mailchi.mp/fe4049fcba8f/victorian-school-garden-program-enews-november-10474891

Last chance to apply for a Grant.

There are $60,000 worth of vouchers and products to be distributed through 21 grant categories.

Enter one or more categories, by answering five simple questions about your proposed garden project.

Applications close on Friday 24 April at 5.00pm.

Apply now via the VSGP website

Victorian Schools Garden Program – Every school a garden, every garden a classroom. Every school a garden, every garden a classroom.

One small sustainable change from each of us can create a big, lasting difference to our beautiful earth 🌱

Garden grants closing soon, School Gardens to Activate Community workshop, Sustainable Scarecrow results, VSGP brings nature play to show & more - https://mailchi.mp/6e765cbfc169/victorian-school-garden-program-enews-february-10474836

🌱 VSGP Brings Nature Play to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show 🌸

Over five fantastic days, the Victorian Schools Garden Program engaged more than 3,000 children in hands-on activities—potting seedlings, creating plant labels, and taking home a love of growing 🌿

The Wildplace Garden was alive with play, as families explored, built and connected with nature.

Visitors also enjoyed the Sustainable Scarecrow Competition, while Agriculture Victoria, Zoos Victoria and the Foodcube inspired action in biosecurity, conservation and growing food at home.

A vibrant celebration of gardening, creativity and community—leaving families inspired to create their own wild places 💚!

The 2026 Sustainable Scarecrow Competition has highlighted the creativity and environmental awareness of Victorian students, with finalists selected by the Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence MP.

This year, 42 schools and kindergartens took part, embracing the theme ‘Habitat Farmer’, the helpful visitors to the garden protecting the habitats that they live in and teaching others about how to create habitats in and around the garden. Their imaginative, eco-friendly scarecrows were showcased at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, impressing visitors with their innovation and strong sustainability messages.

The People’s Choice winner was determined by votes cast over the five days of the show, with Lid-ia from Spotswood Primary School taking out the public vote. The award was presented by Rory Clarke, Landscape Designer of The Wildplace and theme curator of the Scarecrow Competition, along with Craig Taberner, VSGP Chairman.

The competition continues to inspire students to combine creativity with environmental responsibility, promoting the importance of recycling and reusing materials.

Don’t miss the Sustainable Scarecrow School Competition at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Check out the incredible entries from schools and kindergartens across Victoria and vote for your favourite!

🌱 Bring the kids along for some hands-on fun at the Victorian Schools Garden Program stall (Site A4) at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show! 🌸

From Wednesday 25 March to Sunday 29 March, little green thumbs can pot their very own seedling and create a personalised plant label to take home 🌿.

Ours is one of many children's activities at the show. A perfect family day out full of creativity, learning, and nature. Visit the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show website to view all show features https://melbflowershow.com.au/show-features/