Why I Built a Garden During My HSC
One of the most stressful periods in the life of an Australian student is undoubtedly the exams leading up to their ATAR. These exams, whether it’s the HSC, VCE, QCE, WACE, NTCE, TCE, or an ACT Year 12 Certificate, are notorious for creating high-pressure environments in pursuit of a successful future.
While it’s true that your ATAR may not hold much significance beyond university admissions, the intense stress placed on teenagers and young adults is undeniable. Every year, new statistics emerge highlighting the link between these exams and rising rates of depression and anxiety.
Speaking from my own experience, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety, along with other learning-related challenges, which made the prospect of completing my HSC feel unattainable. Even when I did reach this milestone, there were times I wished I hadn’t.
I vividly remember staring at daunting piles of study materials, feeling overwhelmed and deeply self-critical. It felt as though every aspect of my life had to revolve around studying, and when it didn’t, I turned my frustration inward.
To better manage the overwhelming stress, I made it my mission to develop new coping strategies to protect my mental health during this challenging period.
I eventually found solace in gardening, a hobby I’ve continued long after my HSC.
Gardening
Our backyard had been neglected for years, overrun by weeds and struggling plants. I decided to take on the formidable task of reviving the space. With limited funds and no prior gardening experience, my support worker and I began weekly trips to Bunnings to kickstart my gardening journey.
Our backyard was already a haven for birdlife, including cockatoos, lorikeets, magpies, Indian myna birds, and a butcher bird. This inspired me to research plants that would attract these feathered friends.
At first, my shopping trips involved the most affordable potting mix and soil, usually three to four dollars per bag, budget terracotta pots and plates costing one to three dollars, and seed packets priced around four to five dollars.
As my garden began to take shape, I explored Australian native plants, often buying clearance stock to save money. My favourite native flower is the boronia, known for its beautiful scent and striking magenta colour. I also rescued Christmas bushes, callistemons, and kangaroo paws.
While I’ve invested a fair amount into my garden, I’ve also discovered the charm of inexpensive bright flowers, discounted plants, succulent cuttings, and second-hand equipment to keep costs manageable.
My vegetable patch is now thriving with pumpkins, chillies, snow peas, and tomatoes, which should be ready to harvest soon. Just this morning, my brother and I planted some lilly pillies, a native fruit he’d been encouraging me to get, and I managed to find a tree for just ten dollars.
While my garden sometimes became a form of procrastination, at least the HSC is now behind me, so I don’t have much left to procrastinate about these days.
By Veronika Miller
A List Ambassador
