Victorian Schools Garden Program

Every school a garden, every garden a classroom.

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2026 Awards Entries Now Open!

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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.

Click here to view the 2026 Award Categories or to find out more.

2026 VSGP Grant Recipients Announced

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The VSGP is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 VSGP Grants.

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.

2026 VSGP Grant Recipients

Strong Demand Continues for School Garden Grants

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This year marks another outstanding chapter for the School Garden Grants program, with schools across Victoria continuing to embrace the power of garden-based learning.

In 2026, we received an impressive 815 grant applications from 374 schools, reflecting the ongoing enthusiasm from educators and school communities to create engaging outdoor learning environments for students.

From vegetable patches and native habitat gardens to sensory spaces and outdoor classrooms, schools are increasingly recognising the important role gardens play in enriching student learning experiences and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

The strong response again this year highlights the need for continued investment in school garden initiatives to help more schools bring these valuable projects to life. Every application represents a school community eager to provide students with opportunities to connect with nature, learn practical skills, and develop environmental awareness.

Judging of the applications is now underway, with successful applicants to be notified in early June.

We would like to thank all schools that submitted applications and commend the incredible passion, creativity, and commitment shown by teachers, parents, and volunteers across the state.

Victorian Students Bring ‘Habitat Farmers’ to Life in Sustainable Scarecrow Competition

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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.

Winners:

🥇 Grange College – “Native Nat the Bird Friendly Mate” (1st place, $1000 voucher)

Nursery & Garden Industry President, Carl Soderlund and Agriculture Minister Ros Spence.

🥈 Dean Marsh Primary School – “Swampy” (2nd place, $750 voucher)

 

Nursery & Garden Industry President, Carl Soderlund and Agriculture Minister Ros Spence.

🥉 Toorak College Junior School – “Ivy” (3rd place, $500 voucher)

 

Nursery & Garden Industry President, Carl Soderlund and Agriculture Minister Ros Spence.

People’s Choice Winner:   

🥇 Spotswood Primary School – “Lid-ia” 

VSGP Chairman Craig Taberner and Rory Clarke, Landscape Designer – Urban Discovery

2026 Grants Program – APPLY NOW

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The VSGP Grants Program encourages schools to start new gardens or repair existing gardens by providing funding through nursery vouchers or provision of products to use for school garden projects.

This year there is $60,000 worth of vouchers and products to be distributed through 21 grant categories.

Applications are now open and close on Friday 25 April 2026 at 5 pm.

Contact us

Tania Karamitos
Program Co-ordinator
Victorian Schools Garden Program
Phone: 03 9576 0599
Fax: 03 9576 0431
Email: vsgp@greenlifeindstryvictoria.org.au