A great turnout of adults and children came to the school to build a remembrance garden.

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The garden is part of the first stage of a comprehensive plan initiated by the Paterson Public School P&C.

The five year plan will improve functionality and beautify the school surrounds.

Paterson Public School is part of a very active community, as could be seen by the large number of enthusiastic workers getting their hands dirty.

Funding of $35,000 for the garden was raised by the P&C through barbecues at this year’s Tocal Field Days.

Their portable cooking facilities also came in handy to fuel this weekend’s workers with a barbecue breakfast.

Will and Anthea Power from Maplewood Permaculture have designed and are also helping build the garden.

They laid it out in the shape of a cross for remembrance and reflection.

While Will placed edgings, workers shovelled and moved mulch and soil.

Other helpers soaked cardboard and laid it as a base.

Pupils as well as teachers and community members were consulted in the planning process.

Their request for a swimming pool morphed into the pond proposed for the garden.

The simple, natural and sustainable garden will consist of many native Australian plants, but existing rosemary will be retained, and poppies planted.

For the best results, most of the plants will be put in place next year by March, to be ready for Anzac Day.

The garden will be used for celebrations as well as ceremonies of remembrance.

“It will be a really great feature for the front of the school,”principal Phil Lindsell said.

This first stage of the improvements will be completed for the school’s 150 year celebrations in 2025.

More events are planned for Paterson Public School and the local community to help turn the plans into reality.

The school has a website and P&C Facebook page with more information.

By Lisa WISEMAN