Connecting Community Through Gardening at Ocean Shores Preschool
At Ocean Shores Preschool, our Community Garden is a vibrant, shared space where children connect with nature, explore sustainability, and experience the joy of growing their own food. This special garden thrives through our strong partnership with the Shara Community Gardens and a dedicated local volunteer group, whose generosity and expertise help bring the space to life.
Each week, we are fortunate to welcome Sigge, a passionate and experienced community gardener, who works alongside the children—sharing his love for plants, soil, and the rhythms of nature. Under Sigge’s guidance, children plant, water, harvest, and care for the garden, developing a deep respect for the environment and an understanding of where food comes from.
Our connection with the Shara Community Gardens extends beyond the garden beds. Together, we share the care of the preschool’s four chickens—our children tend to them during the week, while community garden members care for them on weekends and during school holidays. We also share a garden plot and actively contribute to community garden events and working bees.
More than just a learning environment, our garden is a place of connection, curiosity, and growth—for our children and the wider community alike.