Our community garden sits on the banks of the Yarra River in Warrandyte, Vic, Australia. The township is famous for its goldmining history, bushland, wattle and cherry blossom, artist trails, wildlife, and heritage buildings.
There are 24 raised vegetable plots plus a higher planter box for people who have difficulty bending due to injury or disability. Communal planting areas feature raspberries, strawberries, loganberries, rhubarb, olive and nectarine trees, bush food plants and many herbs. Citrus trees grow in wine barrels, and an ornamental vine blazes red during autumn. In the late winter, jonquils and daffodils complement the blossoms. In summer, canna lilies hide the water tank and the rose arbour is covered in blooms.
Facilities include a water tank fed by run-off from the neighbouring police station, two equipment sheds, a greenhouse and a shady gazebo. There is also a cubby house and sandpit for visiting children and for the keen young gardeners there are small pie sized garden plots. A three-bin compost system recycles weeds and clippings into precious compost to enrich the soil.
Every member has access to a range of communal garden tools and a place to store their own gear in the shed.
Our Garden
The community garden was initiated by Keith Walker of Warrandyte Police, and is supported by the Victorian Government and a wide range of local businesses and community organisations including Warrandyte Bendigo Bank, Lions Club and Rotary. It was initially set up under the auspices of the local Police and Community Consultative Committee (PCCC) but now operates independently.
The garden was officially opened in April 1999 by the local Member of Parliament, Hon. Phil Honeywood and Commander Trevor Thompson of Victoria Police.
Various local community groups including local schools, reading groups and local food connect use the facility on a regular basis and it has also been used as an events venue on a couple of occasions.
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Working bees are held once a month on the first Sunday of the month (2nd Sun in Oct followed by AGM) at 10am. All plot holders are required to attend a minimum of three per year or carry out some other tasks in lieu.
After working we share a cuppa & often home made delicacies. It is here or at the OctoberAGM when decisions for the running of the garden are discussed & finalised.
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An independent group operate a monthly food swap from the garden gazebo to coincide with the Warrandyte market dates. This operates from 9am to 10am on the first Sat of each month (except Jan) and many of the garden plot-holders get involved to offer their produce.
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The garden group participates in the Warrandyte Festival every year with a stall selling jams, chutneys and plants. More recently, we have held occasional stalls at the monthly Warrandyte market and extended our wares. This provides additional funds for improvements to the garden site.