William Angliss Institute has demonstrated that even the most unusual of spaces can be used to improve student learning with its innovative rain garden.
The edible garden is a model food garden in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Wedged between buildings, the location was unloved and under utilised prior to its development.
Now it is a student-friendly social space that provides a series of microclimates enabling more than 100 species to be grown.
Planted in 2014 by Melbourne Polytechnic landscape teachers and students, the garden has become a shining example of a sustainable urban food space.
The garden features a series of beds highlighting edible native plantings on campus, designed to assist in teaching students how to grow, harvest and use a variety of plants in their catering.
The project also provides a valuable educational opportunity on the themes of integrated water cycle management and wise water use.
Rainwater tanks were installed in the garden meaning a reduced volume of water entering the stormwater system and less reliance on mains water.
The project has not only enhanced student learning but also has become a valuable resource for the wider community, with garden tours and other educational opportunity’s regularly open to the public.