About the Garden

During the past 200 years many of  Australia's unique flora and fauna species have become endangered or extinct.  Australia is on record as having only 10% of its original bush cover.  Adelaide has less than 3%.  To support all of the elements of our ecosystems into the future, we need a minimum of 30% of the original vegetation cover. 

The Native Japanese Garden at Para Hills West School has been planted with local species. The children have learnt to identify these plants through observation, field study and with the aid of a specially produced booklet.  Small animal life will gradually be attracted  as the garden becomes more established.  

Students learn minimum disturbance bush weeding,  seed collection, propagation and planting.   Students from pre-school through to Year 7 participate in whole school events in the garden such as the "Smoking Ceremony (Garden Blessing)" in the garden for Reconciliation.

Japanese Gardens represent nature in miniature.   Only local plants are used.   We have planted local grassy woodland  species.   The entrance to the garden is by way of the Pavilion.   Here class groups do the Japanese Tea  Ceremony.  Our local Dianella Revoluta, instead of  Japanese Bamboo surrounds the Pavilion.   A water
feature at the entrance of the Japanese Garden  reminds us to be clean of body and of mind as we enter  a sacred place.  

Mt. Lofty and Mt Bonython are represented using local rocks.  These landmarks also represent Kaurna  Dreaming.   Other geographical landmarks are  featured.  Rocks represent larger native animals, such as the Red Kangaroo with Joey, Echidna and Shingle Back Lizard. 

Along the path there are places to rest, observe nature, contemplate and regenerate psychologically.  The  circular path in the Japanese Garden brings us safely back to where we began.

We would like to thank