Port Kembla teen Steve Dimeski could be inside watching TV, playing Angry Birds or checking Facebook. Instead, he is spending his school holidays in the garden, getting his hands dirty.
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"I love the garden, and getting to do a bit of physical work," the 13-year-old said.
"It's more fun than sitting on the computer."
He is spending the day at Warrawong High School's student garden, as part of a holiday nature program. But he's the exception to the rule.
Planet Ark's Missing Trees report revealed 28 per cent of children have never planted or cared for a vegetable garden; 31 per cent have never planted or cared for trees or shrubs; and a quarter of children spend less than two hours a week outdoors.
These figures alarmed Aaron Sorenson of North Wollongong PCYC's community garden, who organised the Warrawong High program.
"It's fundamental for children to be involved in gardens and the outdoors. It helps them relate to the outside world, to have a balanced relationship with nature," he said.
Mr Sorenson administers "living classrooms" and gardens at schools around the region, including Cringila, Port Kembla and Warrawong public schools.
"It helps teach personal responsibility, promotes goal setting, motivation, and thinking creatively," Mr Sorenson said.
"These school gardens link to increased school attendance, attitude changes, and supporting healthy eating choices."
Wollongong Botanic Garden last week hosted 800 people with their Winter Tales holiday series, including outdoor treasure hunts and garden theatre.
Co-ordinator of education Michael Connor said children benefited from regular interaction with nature.
"As a community, we have less contact with the natural environment, so it's important to introduce them to the environment and their garden," he said.
"We can always tell the kids that come from small backyards. They get here and just want to run and roll around on the grass, and climb trees."
Matthew Summers, of Mullet Creek community garden at Dapto, also spoke of the positives for children who get involved with gardening.
"Houses are getting bigger and yards are getting smaller, so community gardens are important for kids," he said.
"More kids should get involved. Instead of playing video games and sitting down all day: go outside, do physical work, and learn things."
