Many schools have chosen to focus on creating food gardens as part of their commitment to the Eco-Schools process whilst others have planted wildlife-friendly indigenous gardens, hedges, traditional medicinal plants and colourful borders in the school grounds.
MMAEP field workers encourage the use of Permaculture principles in the cultivation of food gardens. A Permaculture garden provides a means for learners to see ecology in action and encourages them to develop a more holistic view of and respect for nature. Through working in the gardens a better understanding is fostered of topics such as food and health, energy recycling, natural relationships, team work and planning, habitats, ecosystems, environmental ethics, natural elements and resource usage.
As a secondary benefit, some schools are able to feed learners wholesome, organically grown, nutritious food for lunch. The MMAEP would like to improve the sustainability and yield of the gardens, encourage the planting of traditional food crops, promote the innovative use of available resources, and reduce reliance on outside assistance. Experience gained in school gardens will encourage learners to start their own gardens at home.
The Medicinal Plant Garden at Dabulamanzi School in Kamberg, has swathes of Bulbine fructescens (ibuchu) which is very handy for cuts and stings and Artemesia afra (umhlonyane) which is a traditional remedy for headaches and earache. Frost hardy plants like the white flowered Freylinia tropica, the strap-leaved Dietes grandiflora and pretty groundcover Geranium incanum (a favourite with bees) can be found in the garden.
The vegetable garden at Dabulamanzi is very well laid out and includes a shady seed geminating area and good compost heap. Hawkstone Primary in Karkloof has a successful vegetable garden based on the “deep trenching” method which they feed with “manure tea” and school-made compost. They have recently formed a partnership with an organic farmer nearby, to supply him with vegetable seedlings, and learnt how to make natural pest deterrents. Vrystaat Primary School has used the ‘eco-circles’ concept for part of their garden. Situated in an area with abundant rocks, they have used the rocks to build up very attractive planting beds.
I think the garden is beautiful. There are different herbs and we usually use them when you have stomach ache. There are leaves that can help you.
Sthembile Shabalala Grade 10 Dabulamanzi School