How collaboration, creativity and care can transform school grounds into places for learning, wellbeing and connection.
When our teams work closely with the school community, outdoor spaces can become living classrooms, places of discovery and environments that bring people together.
A wonderful example of this can be seen at Siena College, where Danihers’ Gardener Lauren Wang has embraced the opportunity to contribute well beyond traditional grounds maintenance.
Working collaboratively with teachers, students and College leadership, Lauren has found creative ways to connect the gardens with learning, wellbeing, sustainability and community engagement.
Her initiatives have included Siena’s regular Botanic Garden features and flower displays, Year 7 Science soil sessions using the College grounds as a practical learning resource, and activities supporting Botanic Gardens Week, National Reconciliation Week and cultural diversity.
Nature Spotlight: Meet our Newest Campus Residents
More recently, Lauren discovered a Rainbow Lorikeet nest in one of the campus trees. She followed the progress of two chicks from eggs through to young lorikeets and saw an opportunity to share the experience with the wider school community.
Lauren created “Siena’s Botanic Garden – Nature Spotlight: Meet Our Newest Campus Residents!”, inviting students and teachers to learn about Rainbow Lorikeets and their role in pollinating Australian native trees – and to suggest and vote on names for Siena’s newest feathered residents.
The activity generated wonderful engagement across the College and demonstrated how something as simple as noticing what is happening in the natural environment can create opportunities for learning, curiosity and connection.
Collaboration that creates value
What makes initiatives like these possible is a genuine partnership between our people and our clients.
By understanding the individual needs and culture of a school, our grounds and gardens teams can identify opportunities to contribute in ways that go beyond maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.
The response from Siena College has been overwhelmingly positive, with students, teachers, leadership and Lauren’s colleagues embracing her ideas and enthusiasm.
