The feasibility of school gardens as an educational approach in Greece: a survey of Greek schools

Abstract

This study attempts to research, if Greek schools have comprehended the value of using school gardens, in their efforts to promote responsible environmental awareness. Twenty-seven Greek schools were selected to participate, owing to their high interest in environmental education programs. Studies have shown that a school garden has several benefits for those students who are involved with garden maintenance. Teachers, who teach in these schools, confirm that students of Greek schools, who participate in programs integrating a garden, have enjoyed many benefits and have exhibited a strong environmental consciousness. Teachers, who were interviewed, stressed the fact that school gardens are feasible educational approaches for the Greek school system, underlying the value of the gardens as educational tools that promote positive behavioural results and enforce environmental knowledge. Teachers in schools without gardens expressed as their main difficulty in getting one, the lack of in-service training and availability of funding.