Sustainable gardens

Sustainable gardens not only contribute to enhancing the natural environment of EC centres, but also to the aesthetics of children's learning spaces. Much has been written about this (see for instance, Artfully Caring for the Environment by Janette Kelly in Kia Tipu Te Wairua Toi - Arts in Early Childhood, or ReMida Day published by Reggio Children), and increasingly EC teachers are developing gardens with children in their centres.

These are photos of gardens developed on London's South Bank in conjunction with the Eden Project, and a once uninspiring area has been transformed into a place of beauty and sustainable functionality. Many of the ideas used in this space involve planting in a variety of different containers and in urban areas, where space is often minimal, container gardening can be a viable and attractive option.