From Seed to Table: Harvesting Connections in the College Garden
The College Garden Project is a unique and collaborative initiative that brings together students from across the three schools—DUCKS (Dulwich College Kindergarten School), Junior School, and Senior School—making it one of the few, if not the only, whole-college weekly programs. This hands-on learning experience fosters a connection with nature, sustainability, and leadership among our students while also teaching them the vital skill of growing their own food.
At DUCKS, ten students are selected to participate in the project on a rotational basis, giving our youngest community members the chance to engage in gardening and explore the wonders of nature. These early learners are introduced to concepts such as planting, tending to crops, and learning where food comes from in a fun and age-appropriate environment.
In the Junior School, 10 Garden Ambassadors were chosen after applying for leadership roles. These Ambassadors are responsible for sharing updates on the garden's progress with their classmates and encouraging their peers to visit the garden regularly. This leadership opportunity allows students to take ownership of the garden and act as stewards of sustainability within their school community. Ander Arenaza, our Global Citizenship Lead for Junior School, noted, "This program is distinctive because it operates year-round, emphasising the importance of building lasting relationships through mentorship."
Senior School students take on more significant responsibilities as Garden Leaders. After receiving leadership training at our partner farm, Fun Farm Fam, they are tasked with managing the garden. This involves not only growing sustainable food but also designing the garden layout, selecting crops, delegating responsibilities, organising watering schedules, and preparing educational materials for younger students. Their leadership is tested in real-world conditions, where every mistake or forgotten task has tangible consequences—plants can wilt or fail to thrive without consistent care and attention.
The challenges of managing a college-wide garden program are immense, as students work with living organisms that require constant maintenance. Recently, an unexpected frost, coupled with scheduling changes due to air quality concerns and house events, resulted in damage to some plants and a smaller harvest than expected. These setbacks serve as valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability, offering students real-world leadership experiences in a setting where their actions directly impact the outcome.
Last week, we celebrated the garden's fall harvest, focusing primarily on gathering various herbs. These were used to flavour eggs, which we cooked and enjoyed together in the garden as part of an outdoor harvest festival. Our farm partners facilitated the event, and students were delighted to pet chickens and ducks and compare different types of eggs. The egg shells, along with food scraps, were composted in our small composting system, bringing the experience full circle and reinforcing the concept of sustainability.
This outdoor celebration was a perfect way to close out the growing season, bringing together students from all three schools to reflect on their efforts and enjoy the fruits of their labour. The College Garden Project continues to be a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that fosters leadership, sustainability, and a deep connection with the natural world.
By Samson Swanick, Director of Global Citizenship
Photos: Courtesy of Global Citizenship Team
