The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a training session on plant cultivation through vertical gardening on Friday, October 9, 2026, at SD Negeri Kiyaran 1, Wukirsari, Cangkringan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The activity was part of the 2026 Partner Village Community Service Program (PkM Desa Mitra), under the theme “Enhancing Elementary School Students’ Skills in Environmental Management and Integrated Agriculture.”
The training involved 34 students from grades IV, V, and VI and aimed to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in growing plants using vertical gardening techniques. Students learned how limited space can be used to grow and arrange plants vertically while developing an appreciation for greener, more attractive surroundings at school and at home.
The session opened with Sidiq Permana Putra, S.Si., M.Sc., serving as Master of Ceremony. Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., then introduced the concept of vertical gardening and its application to plant cultivation. This introduction provided students with the basic knowledge needed for the subsequent hands-on activities.
For the practical session, students were divided into four groups to create their own vertical gardens were guided by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., and Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si. Two doctoral students from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Sidiq Permana Putra, S.Si., M.Sc., and Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., also assisted. The facilitators helped students follow each stage of the activity and encouraged them to ask questions and participate actively.
The various ornamental plants grown include Spider Plants, Asoka, Purple Purslane, Snake Plants, Pothos, and ‘Beauty Taiwan’. The activity allowed them to apply what they had learned, develop planting skills, and strengthen teamwork and shared responsibility.
The practical activities All participants received pencil cases in appreciation of their participation and to support their daily schoolwork. The event concluded with Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., presenting books and stationery to the winners of the previous activity. These prizes were intended to encourage students to participate actively and do their best in various school activities.
Through this training, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting partner villages and nurturing environmental awareness among younger generations. The hands-on vertical gardening experience is expected to encourage students to grow and care for ornamental plants and contribute to greener, more attractive, and more pleasant surroundings.
The activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), through practical learning and skills development, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), through education on greening limited spaces. Collaboration among the university, school, and partner village also supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
