Gloucester community garden offering benefits for locals and travellers Gloucester District Gloucester District News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - October 30, 2024 Community Garden Association members Penny Drake-Brockman, Pat Burrows, Pippa Robinson,Steve Robinson, Tibor Kovats, Sue Sedgwick, Megan Dewsnap, Betty Behrens, Terry Hardwick and H.J. Kemp. ON a corner of District Park sits a patch of land cultivated by the Gloucester Community Garden Association. Tuesdays are particularly lively, with volunteers busy planting, weeding, pruning, harvesting and mowing. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au MidCoast Council initially provided the space to the group, which had two years to prove the garden’s viability. “We have demonstrated to the council the positive impact of the Community Garden, and they have granted us the space in perpetuity,” Association member Pippa Robinson said. According to Megan Dewsnap, the development of the garden has “been a journey”. “The garden is proof of what a group of people can achieve when they come together with a common goal,” she said. Rather than erecting a traditional fence around the garden, the group created a living fence made of plants to ensure the community felt welcome. “We want people to come and visit the garden, talk with us, ask questions about plants, or share with us their knowledge,” member Terry Hardwick told News Of The Area. People can walk around the garden, observe the espaliered fruit trees, see what has been planted and is in the process of being planted, or learn about wicking bed construction, composting, and worm farming. “The garden is a community resource,” said Terry. Local schools, including Barrington Public School, Gloucester Public School, and various preschools, have contributed by painting worm farms, assisting with planting, and enjoying the frog pond. “We love the involvement of the local schools,” said Terry. All members of the Community Garden emphasise that while growing plants is important, the social aspect is just as valuable. “The Community Garden is a friendly place, and it is great fun to work with like-minded people,” Sue Sedgwick said. In addition to a ‘Share Shop’ where anyone can take produce, the group has started a street library. “Open the fridge in the shed and swap a book,” Pippa suggested. Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome to visit any Tuesday and chat with one of the members. By Wendy BUSWELL
