How to Start a Bush Food Garden at Your School
Starting a Bush Food Garden at Your School or Early Learning Centre
Creating a bush food garden is a meaningful way to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and STEM learning into your outdoor environment. It provides a valuable opportunity to connect with your local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, inviting their guidance and involvement in planning, planting, and nurturing the garden. This collaborative approach enriches both the learning experience and the garden itself.
The goal of a bush food garden is to celebrate and highlight local Indigenous culture through the plants and practices used. Here are some simple steps to help you get started:
1. Engage with Your Local Indigenous Community
Start by reaching out to local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, Elders, or organisations. You may find an Indigenous-owned business that specialises in cultural gardens—if so, invite them to be part of your project. Be sure to offer fair payment for their time and knowledge, as cultural consultation and education should always be valued and respected.
You can also involve families from your school or service who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander—collaborating with them adds further richness and authenticity to the project.
2. Involve Children in the Design Process
Encourage children to draw or paint their ideas of what the garden should look like. These artworks can help shape the layout and design, while also giving children a sense of ownership and pride in the space they’re helping to create.
3. Research Local Bush Foods
Find out which native bush food plants grow in your local area. Consider how each plant grows, whether it's suitable for a school garden, and how it might be used once harvested. Focus on plants that are safe, educational, and engaging for children.
4. Plant Your Garden
When planting your garden, remember that Australian native gardens are often more organic and free-form than traditional garden beds. Here are a few planting tips:
Plant irregularly – Instead of neat rows, plant in a scattered, natural pattern.
Include special-use plants – Add species traditionally used for bush food, medicine, or tools.
Use native grasses – These are great for play and craft, like Lomandra longifolia (also known as basket grass), which is perfect for weaving activities.
5. Add Story Stones
Once the garden is established, decorate it with “story stones.” Have children paint symbols, animals, or other meaningful images onto smooth rocks, then place them around the garden. These stones add a personal and cultural touch to the space.
6. Use the Garden as a Learning Space
Your bush food garden can become a space for quiet reflection, storytelling, or yarning circles. It's a perfect outdoor classroom where children can connect with nature and culture while developing curiosity and respect.
What STEM Learning Might Look Like:
By participating in this project, children can explore key STEM concepts, such as:
Identifying native plant species
Understanding garden design principles
Learning how plants support local biodiversity
Observing plant lifecycles and growth
Exploring how different plants attract various insects and animals
A bush food garden is more than just a planting activity—it’s a hands-on, culturally responsive learning experience that fosters respect, curiosity, and care for Country.
