Horticulture studentslearning with Landcare

Community College Gippsland's (CCG) Certificate II in Horticulture students recently participated in an enriching and interactive workshop focused on sustainable horticulture practices.
The workshop, Latrobe Catchment Landcare network facilitator and project officer Caroline Hammond and the West Gippsland Seedbank group, provided students with hands-on experience in seed harvesting and propagation.

The workshop began with an informative session where students learned about the sustainable methods used by the seedbank team to collect seeds from native areas. The seeds are then supplied to growers for propagation and the eventual production of new tubestock plants.
The students were actively involved in identifying various plant types and applying seed removal techniques.
"It was a great interactive experience for the students as part of their studies, and the seed they harvested will be sown by the same students as part of our growing program, which will allow them to see the full production cycle," CCG horticultural trainer Tony Bundock said.
"It was such a fun project to do, but not only that, it was wonderful to see how the students embraced all aspects of the project. I certainly hope that the Learning with Landcare project can continue to connect the students with this aspect of horticulture for years to come," Caroline said.
Following the workshop, students took part in a tree-planting exercise at the CCG Warragul campus. Under the guidance of Caroline and the Latrobe Catchment Network, the students planted 244 native plants, deepening their connection to the local environment and their understanding of horticultural practices.
The Certificate II in Horticulture course at CCG comprises students from several local schools, including Warragul Regional College, Drouin Secondary College, Chairo Christian School, Mirboo North Secondary College, Marist-Sion College, Kurnai College, and ECG Secondary College. This diverse group of students brings a broad range of perspectives and experiences to the program, enhancing their learning and collaboration.
CCG business development manager Den Lim said they were grateful for the donation and support provided by Latrobe Catchment Landcare and Baw Baw Shire's rural tree grant.
"The planting session allowed our students to work collaboratively. They gained knowledge of horticulture and were able to name native plant species afterwards. It's pleasing to partner with local organizations such as Landcare to provide hands-on experience for our students," she said.
The event not only provided valuable practical learning but also fostered a sense of stewardship for the environment among the students, equipping them with skills essential for a sustainable future in horticulture.