17 Dec 2017
Students from Kindergarten class K1J asked the face of Gardening Australia to buzz in and he did so in spectacular fashion.
Donning his classic bee costume, Costa thrilled the children, parents and staff with his energy and inspiration when talking about all things nature.
It took just three hours for Costa to reply to the video and organise his special visit.
Class teacher, Lina Jackson, said the children have been counting the days before they could meet their new green thumb mentor.
"He buzzed in just like we expected," she said. "They've been busy painting their bee costumes, making the bees for the trees and learning their bee song."
Costa was greeted with hand-made cards, gifts, a tasty baklava and a whole lot of love before getting his hands dirty and planting some new fruit trees on the outskirts of the garden.
Garden coordinator, Verena Gandy, said it was an amazing end to the year.
"It's such a weight off the shoulders to get it all done and open. I think it's something the kids will remember for a very long time," she said.
For Costa, community projects like the sensory garden create magic moments for all involved.
Those of empathy and sharing and volunteering and feeling … talking and communicating, working together with the parents and teachers and all of these people … you put it together and you have a community.
Costa Georgiadis
"To see the kids excited about something like a garden, that's what makes me get up in the morning," he said.
"You think about the opportunity to take something like a garden and raise it as a memorable moment that they were a part of, you just can't put it into words."
Costa highlighted the importance of teaching kids the qualities the sensory garden has cradled.
"I'm very fortunate to have been able to skate in at the top when the cake is made and just light the candles," he said.
He reflected on the occasion as one that will stay with him for a long time.
"Today we made some memories for them and recognised their efforts. There were a lot of things there that money can't buy, and that's what we have to teach our kids," he said.
"We get to skate that line between value and values, and today was a day of values.
"They saw the value of seeing these new values of the sensory garden, the importance of growing and understanding the senses in not just the curriculum but day to day.
"Whatever I give in a situation like this, I reckon I walk away with a semi-trailer load above and beyond. It's such a special privilege for me."
School principal, Phil Harris, was so appreciate of his time with the project and for his gift of time with children staff and the community.
"We are looking forward to seeing Costa in 2 years time to mark the gardens growth in every possible way," he said.
