The pupil-maintained gardens at Alexandra Primary School are literally award-winning but the rewards they give to the children go far beyond that, says APS principal Fiona Mackley.

The Food Forest, which was one of 10 winner’s nationwide in the inaugural Keep New Zealand Beautiful Kai Garden Competition late last year, is being joined by a sensory garden that is a work in progress, as are extensive plantings of native plants and trees around the school.

“The gardens have been so purposeful,” Fiona said. “They have given our learners real purpose in nurturing and in improving our school’s natural environment.

“It’s all thanks to our kaitiaki – gardener Dani Dunn. She’s been such a positive influence on our APS family.”

Dani is quick to pass the praise back to the children, and is happy to let them take the lead in guiding visitors around the garden also.

Ellena Graves (11), left, and Alyssa Longman (10) recall when the herb area was bare schist rock

Ty Ussher (9) was happy to show off the pumpkins the school is selling to the community, with money going back into the gardens, and to sift through looking for the best and biggest for a customer.

Older children Ellena Graves (11) and Alyssa Longman (10) recalled years gone by as they pointed out herbs growing near some Central Otago schist.

“I remember when those were just rocks,” Alyssa said. “When I was in Year One, this was just muddy ground.”

Both girls said they help with their gardens at home and have learned a lot in the school garden.

Aided by kaitiaki – gardener Dani Dunn, Ty Ussher (9) plants alpine strawberries

Ellena, who is also a member of the environmental group, said her family recently moved house. “We’re just getting our garden going this year at our new house.”

Alyssa said her Nana had just moved to a farm property and she was helping with a garden that her dad had built.

The girls said the vegetables grown in the food forest go to the school’s Food Forest Cafe, where they are given to other children.

Kaitiaki – gardener Dani said they hope to be able to supply some food to community groups next season.

The children’s pride and enjoyment in their work is obvious, even those of few words.

Asked what he thought of the garden club, Jackson Crossan (7) gave a reply that was succinct but clear: “Sick, bro!”