The environmental education team was thrilled with the enthusiastic response to this year’s Schools Tree Program, which saw strong participation from both primary and high schools across the region.

In February, an expression of interest was sent out, inviting schools to register for the 2025 program. The program included native plants, resources, and workshops available to registered schools. With limited spots available, 10 for primary schools and 10 for high schools, the response was swift and positive.

Over the years, schools have expressed a growing interest in learning more about native plants for bush tucker and cultural use. In response to this valuable feedback, we proudly partnered with Deadly Ed, a team of passionate Aboriginal educators committed to delivering authentic and engaging cultural education, to deliver bush tucker and cultural workshops to both primary and high schools.

A hands-on cultural learning experience

The aim of the workshops was to support schools in designing and mapping their own native garden, including a bush tucker garden. By exploring the cultural significance and uses of native plants, students and teachers were empowered to categorise species and plan their garden layouts effectively.

Two workshops were held, one for primary schools and one for high schools, each aligning with the NSW school curriculum. In each case the days began with students working alongside Deadly Ed educators Josh and Kane, to identify and categorise native plants. 

Council had provided ten different native plant species for these workshops, each selected for their traditional uses and cultural significance. These plants were grouped into three main categories: bush tucker, medicinal, and tools and weapons. Students had the opportunity to engage with the plants through sight, touch, and smell, helping them explore and understand the traditional and ongoing uses of these native species.

The bush tucker plants included a variety of edible species such as:

• Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longifolia), whose seeds are a rich source of protein and carbohydrates
• Lilly Pilly (Syzygium luehmannii), known for its tart edible berries consumed fresh or dried
• Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) was highlighted for its culinary versatility in both sweet and savory dishes and teas.
• Pig face (Carpobrotus sp.), with its fig-like fruit, edible flowers and the succulent leaves which are best served cooked
• Midyim berry (Austromyrtus dulcis) known for their tangy and sweet berries
• Native violet (Viola hederacea), with edible flowers and leaves for garnish
• Saltbush (Rhagodia candolleana), valued for its sweet berries and salty leaves
• Native thyme (Prostanthera incisa) adds flavour to dishes
• Blue flax-lily (Dianella caerulea), known for its edible berries
• Sandpaper fig (Ficus coronata), which produces edible figs.

Several of these plants also hold medicinal value:

• Lemon myrtle leaves can be crushed and used as a traditional treatment for colds and skin conditions, either through inhalation or as a tea
• Pig face is used topically for burns
• Native thyme is brewed into herbal teas to relieve coughs, colds, and stomach ailments
• Sydney golden wattle leaves are applied to soothe irritated skin.

In addition to food and medicine, some plants are traditionally used for tools and weapons:

• Sydney golden wattle leaves, when mixed with water, creates a natural soap
• Sandpaper fig’s rough leaves are used to smooth wooden tools
• The long, strappy leaves of the blue flax-lily are ideal for making cord and string
• Lemon myrtle leaves are burned to repel insects, showcasing the multifunctional nature of these native plants.

To keep the energy high, students also enjoyed interactive Kahoot quizzes, blending fun with learning.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted outdoors. Students learned about basic gardening tools and techniques, including raised garden beds versus in-ground planting, as well as best plants to use for sun, shade, and allocated space. Then came the highlight, planting native species on the host school’s grounds. For many students, it was their first-time planting, making it a memorable and meaningful experience.

The final session brought everyone back to the classroom, where students compiled their plant knowledge and began mapping out their own school gardens. Using photos of their school grounds as inspiration, students collaborated within and across schools, sharing ideas and building a sense of community and shared purpose.

Growing the future together

As part of the program, the environmental education team will be delivering native plants and educational resources to each participating school. These plants have been grown at Council’s nursery, thanks to the dedication of our incredible nursery volunteers. A heartfelt thank you goes out to these volunteers. 

Students were amazed to learn that every plant they handled was nurtured by local community members. The efforts of our nursery volunteers are helping to grow not just plants, but knowledge, culture, and connection.

We can’t wait to visit the schools again soon and see the incredible bush tucker gardens they create!

This article was written by Carlita Dhillon, Environmental Education Officer