Whittlesea students caring for community lemon trees

Mitchell, Keely, Grace and William. Picture: Joe Mastroianni

Students from four Whittlesea schools are showing their community spirit by planting and caring for lemon trees and a herb garden which the community will be able to pick.

Whittlesea Secondary College, Whittlesea Primary School, St Mary’s Parish Primary School and Diamond Valley Special Development School pupils planted the trees and herbs on the corner of Walnut and James streets last week.

The garden, which is part of the schools’ Lemon Tree Project, comprises three citrus trees, a small herb garden and a bench seat.

The project is being backed by Whittlesea council and the Whittlesea Community Garden.

It aims to encourage the students to work together to contribute positively towards the liveability, health and wellbeing of the Whittlesea township community.

The council’s community development officer, Megan Smithwick said the project was about bringing the community together.

“Many people use things like lemons and herbs frequently when cooking and people love the idea of having a nearby place to collect these ingredients as they need them,” she said.

“It’s a simple idea to engage people in gardening and an opportunity for a communal space where people can meet and connect.”