With the help of a community grant from Tasman District Council, Brightwater Playcentre have been able to cultivate a child-friendly, edible fruit and vegetable garden which the children help to maintain.
“Gardening offers so many fun opportunities for children,” says Mary Deaker, one of the Playcentre mums. “They learn about different plants and how they grow. Seasons become more interesting as they observe how the weather affects the plants, and it offers them an up-close look at insects which they come across while out getting their hands dirty.”
As well as the practical side of things, regular crop picking is always a favourite, with feijoa hunting and treasure finding the activity of the month. “We have lots of produce in the garden,” says Mary. “The kids love picking the fruit and then sitting at a shared kai table to eat their handiwork.”
Playcentre gives kids a real hands-on approach to learning. “Our Playcentre welcomes new families as we are ever-evolving,” says Mary. “No two weeks are the same and we offer so much, not just to kids, but to the parents who build friendships with like-minded people too.”
For more information, email brightwater@playcentre.org.nz or call 03 542 3270.