The Victorian Schools Garden Program (VSGP) recognises the vital role outdoor spaces play in contemporary education and encourages schools to develop, expand and actively use these spaces to promote student centred learning, health and wellbeing.
A pioneer of environmental education, the VSGP was established in 1977 by Paul Crowe OAM and the late Kevin Heinze. The program has a proud history of introducing generations of school-aged children to the joy of gardening and learning through nature.
Through the development and use of school grounds, VSGP has guided students in discovering, understanding, and engaging with the natural world.
School gardens provide rich opportunities for students to learn about productive cultivation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. They create inclusive, hands-on environments where students, teachers, and parents can learn and work together in meaningful and practical ways.
Through the development of green spaces at schools, teachers have an opportunity to take the classroom outdoors and enable students to explore the many benefits of gardening. Expanding school green spaces not only contributes to exciting learning environments but also benefits student health and well-being.
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 Victorian Schools Garden Program is open to all Victorian State Government, Catholic and Independent Schools.