TWO instrumental members of the Coffs Harbour Community Gardens have received recognition through Honorary Life Memberships.

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Rhonda and Mike Daniel have been a part of the gardens for many years.

Mike was one of the pioneers in setting up the garden and brought his horticultural skills which he shared with many keen gardeners.

Mike was part of the two year process of setting the gardens up.

He has run garden building workshops and facilitated some Living Lightly workshops in partnership with Coffs Harbour City Council on plant and soil nutrition.

The gardens feature a mandala at the heart of them and Mike helped to design this and the gardens surrounding it.

Rhonda has also been greatly involved in the gardens with her green thumb and her culinary skills feeding many members along the way.

News Of The Area spoke to Phil Connor, President of the Coffs Harbour Community Gardens, about its establishment twelve years ago.

“The idea was to get some interest growing healthy food and being part of a community and the values around permaculture which are the values of the garden: earth care, people care and fair share.”

Mr Connor believes that through sharing resources and sharing surplus there is enough produce for everyone forever
“There’s enough for everyone forever if you have sustainability principles in place,” he said.

“By sharing knowledge such as Mike’s gives people an opportunity to learn more.”

Mr Connor believes the appetite is growing for gardening and produce at home because of COVID-19.

“The seeds departments are sold out so people thought they must do some gardening.

“So when it’s crunch time people get into their backyards and start gardening so the importance of organic food and learning is key.”

There are three community gardens in Coffs Harbour, the longest established at Combine Street, one in South Coffs and one at Woolgoolga.

By Sandra MOON