LEARNING ACTIVITY
Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: vision
Climate Region: Arid | Temperate | Tropical
State or Territory: All States/Territories
Age Range: 13-18

STORY

Jarrah and Adam are taking a walk through the local bushland in Canberra, Ngunnawal Country. Jarrah brushes against a prickly plant, “Ow!” He yells! Adam turned and laughed, “did he get ya!?”

“Yes” replied Jarrah with a slight whimper. Adam replied “He wanted to you to notice him, look at his flower, see how he’s coming out and looks white and almost snow like?” “Yes” Jarrah replied nursing his wound. “This plant is the Early Wattle. When it comes out in flower, the big fogs aren’t too far away, no good camping near cool gully’s or flats now, we have to get up to more protected and warmer areas on country. Also, the snow will be falling heavily up in the peaks and the very high country. This plant helps to indicate the turning of season into deep winter.”

Early Wattle (Acacia genistifolia).

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

Through planning for an Indigenous plant-use garden, you develop a connection with the project and respect for First Nations peoples perspectives. Planning can also assist you in applying for relevant Junior Landcare Grants to support the development of your garden. Use this learning activity to explore exciting ideas, create goals and understand more about successful Indigenous plant-use garden projects.

To understand local perspectives and support these activities, we recommend reaching out to the local Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples community groups who can assist in knowledge sharing and understanding local land, histories and culture. This is an important consideration to ensure that any reconciliation initiatives are being driven in a local, meaningful way.

This learning activity is the second part of a sequence of 6 individual learning activities focused on creating an Indigenous plant-use garden. The order of these learning activities are: resources from the bush, vision, plant list, site assessment, planting and harvesting.

Outcomes

For children to:

  • develop respect for First Nations peoples cultural values
  • appreciate the importance of creating a plant-use garden
  • understand the steps involved in creating a successful garden
  • creating a culturally space for everyone
  • build relationships with local First Nations peoples.
SEASONAL NOTES

This activity can be undertaken anytime of the year, however it is important to consider seasonal and climate variations and their effects on plant growth. Planning for the long term is important with this type of garden.

Did you know?

First Nations peoples share deep cultural connections with the Land, skies, and water.

Did you know?

“The land is the mother and we are of the land; we do not own the land rather the land owns us. The land is our food, our culture, our spirit and our identity” 

Dennis Foley, a Gai-mariagal and Wiradjuri man, and Fulbright scholar.

Did you know?

The land links all aspects of First Nations people’s life – spirituality, culture, language, family, law, lore and identity.

Did you know?

First Nations peoples share deep cultural connections with the Land, skies, and water.

Why not try one of our other Junior Landcare learning activities?

Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: plant list

First Nations Perspectives

Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: resources from the bush

First Nations Perspectives

Love Letters to the Land

Biodiversity|First Nations Perspectives|Food Production|Waste Management

Creating a yarning circle: involving First Nations people

First Nations Perspectives