BestStart Stratford pupils learn about gardening and nature

Becky Swan (teacher) and Taranaki Diocesan School for Girls Gateway student Hollie Radford with BestStart Stratford pupils and Robby from Mitre-10. Photo/ Supplied

A gift of pea and flower seeds is teaching BestStart Stratford children about gardening and nature.

BestStart Stratford is a mixed age centre for children from birth until they start school. The centre recently visited Mitre 10 Stratford to buy plants for their garden.

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Teacher Yvonne Harvey says Robby, who works in the Mitre 10 gardening department, gifted the Stratford BestStart centre some peas and flower seeds to add to their garden.

"It also contributes to their learning. The staff at Mitre 10 Stratford were lovely. We will enjoy planting the seeds and watching them grow."

The centre started their garden interest with Puanga celebrations.

BestStart Stratford pupils visited Mitre-10 recently. Photo/ Supplied

"We did this by learning about and preparing vegetables for a shared kai that we had with our centre whānau and we planted some of the seeds from the pumpkin we prepared. We then started growing more vegetables at the centre."

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The centre are also growing the little garden pots they have collected from New World Stratford.

"This is so each child can take their own plant home as well. Our special garden is at our entrance way into the centre so the children see it and can discuss with their families daily."

Yvonne says the centre vision is to be at the heart of community learning.

"We love to go on trips within our community and welcome anyone who would like spend time with us and visit our growing garden."