The desire to learn as a kind of love: gardening, cooking, and passion in outdoor education

‘Gardens for Bellies' Haver til Maver is an organic school gardens project at Krogerup farm in Northern Sealand, Denmark, which provides children with first-hand experiences in a natural, outdoor environment. The general intention of the project is to expand children's competences and their knowledge of nature, farming and food preparation. This article draws on a new evaluation of ‘Gardens for Bellies' based on qualitative as well as quantitative studies carried out by education researchers. The evaluation shows very positive learning benefits linked to experience and enjoyment. The outdoor learning programme and environment represents a unique addition to the national curriculum of the Danish state school system, providing the possibility of interdisciplinary and enjoyment-based learning. One of the main conclusions is that the pupils who participate in the ‘Gardens for Bellies' programme develop a desire to learn. A number of the competencies they develop relate directly to the subject of science, as well as other school subjects. Parents confirm the learning benefits and view ‘Gardens for Bellies' as a unique supplement to regular school teaching. The experience dimension and a certain communication of love together with the teachers' passion to show their passion for teaching on site provide one possible explanation as to why the desire to learn is stimulated among the pupils.