Gardening Australia: Creating a wetland

JOSH BYRNE: Who said kids don't like vegies? Just get them to plant and grow their own, like these students have, and they can't get enough of them. Now, this fish emulsion is full of nitrogen and, of course, that fuels all this wonderful leafy growth. And when things are growing quickly it's good to apply this about once a month. Look at that, you can see they're growing already. Now, remember, guys, it's really important to always wash your vegies after you've applied any fertiliser, even organic fertiliser. The big job for today is planting native species to create habitat. Behind me is the future indigenous demonstration garden, and over there we're converting the old soak into a wetland. Parents and teachers are helping the students to plant out the area. There's heaps of work to do. These stunning salvage grass trees will make an instant impact, as will these beautiful grafted Corymbias. To create a wetland, the first thing you need is water. Now, it doesn't have to be constant — even damp soil will support some wetland plant species. This one takes the stormwater from across the school site. It will vary across the seasons but there will always be some water in summer. Once established it will support a whole range of local fauna, including insects, frogs, fish and birds, creating a wonderful biodiverse environment. Natural wetlands contain a range of plant types, including emergent species, like these rushes and sedges, that tolerate inundation, through to fringe plants, like these Melaleucas, and Flooded Gums that prefer damp soil. One of the best things about today is how a lot of parents have come down to help out the students and teachers as well, making it a great community event. So how's young Louis enjoyed his time with the school garden so far?

MAN: It's been fantastic, he's enjoyed, yeah, a lot. It's good because he wants to bring it home with him and we planted some native plants at home, so it's great, yeah.

JOSH BYRNE: And any chance that you'll start a vegie patch?

MAN: Yes, I think so, yeah.

JOSH BYRNE: (Laughs) Is Louis keen to do that?

MAN: He is, yeah. Yeah.

JOSH BYRNE: Fantastic. Wetlands are a bit like nature's kidneys because they help to filter out pollutants from surface water. Planting up this soak will not only provide valuable urban habitat, it will also help to strip out nutrients from the stormwater that's collected from across the school site before it seeps into the aquifer and flows into the nearby Swan River. This project's not just about plants. The students have been busy making signs and sculpture as part of their art classes and now they can install them to add some of their creativity to the garden. Well, I reckon these sculptures look absolutely great.

CHILDREN: Yes.

JOSH BYRNE: Well done. But I'm a little bit worried these snails are going to eat your vegies. Perhaps those birds will take care of them.

CHILDREN: Yeah. Well, next time we come we're going to be helping the students to plant fruit trees. What shall we grow, guys?

GIRL: Apples.

JOSH BYRNE: Apples.

BOY: Oranges.

JOSH BYRNE: Oranges. Great. Anything else?

GIRL 2: Plums.

GIRL 3: Bananas.

JOSH BYRNE: Plums. Well, there you have it. And in about a year's time you'll be eating your own crops.

CHILDREN: Yay.