Family Day Care gardening efforts bear fruit

Published on 15 April 2019

The children at Family Day Care McNicol Street venue in Camperdown have literally been enjoying the fruits of their labours.

Council Family Day Care Co-ordinator Christine Dewhurst said the centre’s edible picnic garden gave the children an opportunity to learn about food production through play. “Delia Kerr, a previous educator, started by planting a grafted apple tree,” Ms Dewhurst said.

“That started us on our voyage of planting. We created an edible picnic garden the children could play in.”

Ms Dewhurst said the children had grown Egyptian walking onions, basil, tomatoes, silverbeet, mint and strawberries.

Educator Amy Fortescue said she would love to hear from a volunteer who could espalier fruit trees along the fence and in doing so help teach the school-aged children about gardening.

Ms Fortescue said being an educator is very rewarding.

“With the one-on-one we get from with the children, we form great relationships,” she said.

“I’m my own boss and it’s family-friendly. As long as I stay within the ratio I can bring my own children.”

Council’s FDC service has vacancies for children across the Shire and is also looking for educators.

Anyone with any interest in enrolling their child, becoming an educator, or helping with the McNicol Street garden, is encouraged to call council on 5593 7100 to find out more.