The Gardens
Founders / Members Gardens
The Founder’s Garden section was founded in May 1997 and recently experienced a revitalization in 2021, made possible through grant funding. During this revitalization project, garden plots were reconstructed, and pathways were expanded to enhance accessibility. This segment comprises a total of 12 distinct garden plots, along with supplementary communal spaces that provide an inviting environment for gardening enthusiasts.
Conversely, the Member’s Garden was established in 2010, courtesy of funding obtained from an Ergon Energy grant. This designated area boasts 12 raised garden plots and an additional 5 plots available for private rental. Alongside these, there are also a few communal plots thoughtfully incorporated into the layout. It’s worth noting that the site is home to a sizable concrete rainwater tank, serving as the primary water source for the various plots within this space.
Field Plots
Within our communal garden area, five field plots, formerly known as the maize gardens, play a pivotal role as a vital community resource. These plots hold deep historical significance and are available for rent, offering a valuable asset to our garden community. Currently, these plots are actively tended to by dedicated members of the African community, cultivating a diverse array of crops, including maize, pumpkins, and beans.
Their commitment not only upholds our community’s traditions but also enhances the rich tapestry of crops in our garden, enriching our collective knowledge and the quality of produce available to all members. These field plots embody a beautiful fusion of culture, sustainability, and shared purpose within our gardening community.
Forage / Permaculture Garden
Situated within the original gardens, this area took shape in the early 1990s. The forage garden embodies permaculture principles, emphasizing reaping and sharing a bounteous harvest. It’s a canvas for fostering community among gardeners, encouraging diverse food exploration, troubleshooting, and nurturing an ecosystem mirroring nature.
In the forage garden, gardening is elegantly simple: harmonizing with soil and plants. Nourishing the soil establishes a reciprocal relationship, sustaining and nurturing plant life. This tapestry includes herbs, vegetables, climbers, pollinator-friendly blooms, healing flora, and below-ground crops. Once this ecological equilibrium forms, it becomes self-sustaining, mirroring nature’s beauty and balance.
Accessibility Garden
Built in 2021 with grant funds, this garden occupies a prominent space in the public enclave of the gardens. It is characterized by its commitment to inclusivity, featuring 8 elevated wicking beds. These specialized beds were meticulously designed to accommodate community members requiring additional height or facing accessibility challenges in traditional garden beds.
Moreover, this innovative addition aligns with the garden’s dedication to fostering unity and diversity within the community. Beyond providing an accessible platform for individuals with varying physical abilities, it also serves as a central hub for the exchange of ideas, techniques, and insights. By promoting an inclusive environment, the garden not only encourages plant cultivation but also cultivates camaraderie among garden enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.
Bush Tucker / Native Garden
Located in the original garden section, the Bush Tucker / Native Garden pays tribute to indigenous flora. It houses bush tucker plants, native species, and indigenous trees, celebrating the region’s natural heritage. This garden serves as a gateway to traditional bush foods and remedies, encouraging visitors to explore and learn.
Beyond its educational role, the garden acts as an ecological haven, showcasing native species thriving for generations. It contributes to biodiversity preservation and indigenous habitat protection. This harmonious blend of heritage, education, and environmental stewardship creates an immersive space where the past, present, and future unite in a verdant testament to cultural and ecological resilience
Orchard Garden
As an integral part of the garden’s communal spaces, this area thrives as a haven. It hosts a diverse collection of fruit-bearing trees, each in various stages of growth, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and seasons.
Beyond its abundant produce, this landscape holds greater significance. The communal fruit tree orchard embodies collective care and cooperation, fostering unity among garden enthusiasts. Through shared efforts in nurturing these trees, a sense of ownership blooms. An open invitation to the community promotes knowledge exchange, seasonal festivities, and the joy of harvesting collective labor’s literal fruits. In cultivating this vibrant orchard, the gardens nurture both sustenance and a profound sense of togetherness, nourishing body and spirit.
