Rather than creating a singular community garden space in isolation, the goal is to create a network of plants, herbs, flowers, natives and fruit trees across various sites that develops the identity of Clarence Town into a unique community of gardens.

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“A core group of Clarence Town representatives have been attending the Rural Aid Community Builders Program, which has inspired them to take this seed of an idea, nurture it and let it grow,” said spokesperson Sacha Anderson.

The group’s first site has been established at 124 Prince St, between the tennis courts and Seniors Centre.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Clarence Town Senior Citizens Centre and the assistance of its members plus others across the community, an existing 20 metre-long garden bed has been transformed in a matter of days with the first spring seedlings planted last Tuesday,” Sacha said.

Leading the group is Clarence Town local Michael Anderson, an organic horticulturist and compost expert.

“This is the first step in a broader vision to connect the whole town with further sites earmarked at the preschool, primary school, museum, village green, Lions Club park and more, with long term goals of establishing seasonal walking tours and facilitating local garden rambles,” Michael said.

“We are aiming for produce from the garden to be used for creating delicious, organic and healthy meals for the Seniors kitchen (which runs Tuesday mornings) and Nourish kids playgroup (on Monday mornings), as well as becoming an asset for all of the community to share.”

Trudy Balstad, a passionate gardener and member of the Clarence Town Lions Club, says the initiative has already received positive feedback and engagement.

“This great community garden space is coming together nicely, with the help, support and encouragement of many people,” she said.

“It certainly takes a village and what a village we have!”

The garden received seed funding and support from Scott Hunter at Ray White Real Estate and Lana Batey from Clarence Town Home Hardware to get it off the ground.

“On Tuesday we had a wonderful planting day putting in home-raised seedlings from myself, Michael, Mick Pommer and Liz Kilpatrick,” Trudy said.

“We planted zucchini, apple cucumber, tomatoes, silverbeet, beans, lettuce, herbs, nasturtiums and more!

“Afterwards, we were treated to a delicious lunch with the Seniors group, who were very welcoming and we had some lovely conversations with some great people.”

Organisers say the initiative will bring the community immense benefit.

“A community garden fosters social connections and strengthens community bonds while providing fresh, locally grown produce, promotes environmental sustainability, improves mental and physical health, and encourages education about gardening and nutrition.”

In future, organisers will host working bees, planting days, weeding sessions, compost workshops, produce swaps and more.

If you are interested in getting involved email ct.communityofgardens@gmail.com or follow the “Clarence Town .

Community of Gardens” Facebook page.

Businesses are invited to get involved with financial support or donations of equipment and supplies.

Additionally, anyone in the community is welcome to plant their own seedlings or do some weeding at their own leisure.

“Everyone is welcome, this space is for our community and we welcome you all,” said Trudy.