Garden club helps unearth new skills

Tomatoes, corn and sunflowers are some of the plants Hedland children are learning about, thanks to Care for Hedland’s Kids Garden Club.

The after-school program, which runs every Wednesday, is starting to gain momentum as it teaches Hedland children activities such as seed sowing, planting, harvesting fruit and vegetables, and growing flowers.

Acting Care For Hedland Garden Club co-ordinator Sarah Amiradaki said despite only running for three months, the club’s popularity had continued to grow.

“It’s really just about getting out in nature,” she said.

“These days, kids don’t get that opportunity being so hot up here and little access to a green backyard.

“It’s getting the kids out there, exploring gardens and using their creativity to do something new for them.”

Ms Amiradaki said children who had been coming to the garden club regularly had the benefit of seeing the seasonal changes to the plot, as well as reaping what they sowed.

“We hope to see a greater sense of community through programs such as these and we hope that kids learn some new skills and take the risk of creating their own gardens at home,” she said.

The club runs from 3pm-4pm each Wednesday at the RSL garden in South Hedland.

For more information, contact Care For Hedland at garden@careforhedland.org.au or find it on Facebook at Care For Hedland Environmental Association.