MUM’S DREAM BLOOMS AS SCHOOL GARDEN
THE humble dreams of a former school mum to “make things prettier” has borne fruit for the school community of Our Lady of Lourdes in Toowoomba.
Jo Broderick witnessed years of the school grounds being barren from drought, prompting her to volunteer in the garden.
“I always dreamt of making it more colourful for the kids,” said Mrs Broderick.
Since then Mrs Broderick has become the grounds person at Our Lady of Lourdes, with drought tolerant flowering natives central to her design for the school garden.
The approach is paying off, with the grounds overflowing with colour and plants of all varieties, much to the delight of the local neighbourhood, as the school enters this year’s The Chronicle Garden Competition.
Principal Chris Golightly praised the school’s improved appearance, pointing out the additional positive benefits on the children’s health and wellbeing.
“The school gardens have become an additional learning space, teaching us all valuable life lessons about the environment and ourselves,” Mr Golightly said.
“The growth in student engagement has been remarkable. You can see the kids take ownership and develop a sense of pride.”
Students can participate in lunchtime nature walks or be part of Mrs Broderick’s School Garden Club and get their hands dirty gardening.
“I love seeing the kids’ excitement at seeing their first seeds sprout and getting to pick and taste veggies they have grown themselves,” said Mrs Broderick.