Permaculture Hawkesbury: Gardening Club for ages 5 to 15
Permaculture Hawkesbury Valley Inc is back with another pair of fun gardening activities perfect for kids this 2024.
Kids can join two Term 1 programs, one for those aged 2 to 4 and a second for those aged 5 to 15 years.
The 8-week program, or After School Gardening Club, for the older kids offers a diverse curriculum with hands-on interactions with livestock, poultry, vegetables, and all the critters a typical garden has.
Each session will start from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM. Class dates are on Thursdays: 1st February, 8th February, 15th February, 22nd February, 7th March, 14th March, 21st March, and 28th March. 
According to Permaculture Hawkesbury, the topics that each week will cover are as follows:
Week 1
•Loving living soil! All life depends on soil. This week, we will learn the importance of soil and what we can do to build healthy, nutrient-rich soil. We will give our soil some love and attention ahead of our seed planting activity next week.
• Feed and water chickens, ducks and goats, collect eggs
• Carry out weekly garden chores to maintain the garden
• Free gardening time
Week 2
• Seed Planting Adventure. We will explore different seeds, learn about germination, and plant a variety of seeds in the garden.
• Feed and water chickens, ducks and goats, collect eggs
• Carry out weekly garden chores to maintain the garden
• Free gardening time
Week 3
• Bug Safari. We will discover the fascinating world of garden insects, their roles, and how they contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem. We will go on a bug safari in the garden.
•Feed and water chickens, ducks and goats, collect eggs
• Carry out weekly garden chores to maintain the garden
• Free gardening time
Week 4
• Composting Carnival. We will learn all about composting and the importance of recycling kitchen waste. We will feed our worm farms and add to our compost piles.
• Feed and water chickens, ducks and goats, collect eggs
• Carry out weekly garden chores to maintain the garden
• Free gardening time
Week 5
• Pollinator Party. We will explore the vital role of pollinators. We will create a pollinator-friendly garden section, and identify different types of pollinators.
• Feed and water chickens, ducks and goats, collect eggs
• Carry out weekly garden chores to maintain the garden
• Free gardening time
Week 6
• Herb Wonderland. We will investigate various herbs, their uses, and create a mini herb garden with medicinal and culinary herbs
• Feed and water chickens, ducks and goats, collect eggs
• Carry out weekly garden chores to maintain the garden
• Free gardening time
Week 7
• Seasonal Sensations. We will explore the changes in the garden with each season. We will learn the importance of adapting gardening practices according to the seasons.
• Feed and water chickens, ducks and goats, collect eggs
• Carry out weekly garden chores to maintain the garden
• Free gardening time
Week 8
• Harvest Festival. This week, we celebrate the fruits of our labour by harvesting produce, preparing simple recipes, and sharing the joy of our homegrown food.
• Feed and water chickens, ducks and goats, collect eggs
• Carry out weekly garden chores to maintain the garden
• Free gardening time
Older kids from the 5 – 15 bracket can join for $120, while guardians can book and pay by sending a message to the organization’s official Facebook page. Online reservations can be made via Eventbrite here: Permaculture Kids After School Gardening Club.
Attendees are advised to wear enclosed shoes, a hat, and gardening gloves (optional) and bring their own water bottle or morning tea.
Permaculture Hawkesbury is located at the Australiana Pioneer Village at 10 Rose St in Wilberforce.
