2 minute read
Ballina Community Garden 10th Anniversary
If you go down to Ballina’s community garden, you’re sure to get a big surprise!
With everything from banana trees and pineapple plants, to crops of sweet potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes, to chooks and bee hives, there’s something to delight all ages. Yet many locals are still unaware it exists or know little about it. The thriving garden is located on the corner of Swift and Clarence Streets, and this July marks 10 years since working bees began at the site.
To celebrate, members will be holding an Open Day on Sunday 11 July from 9am. There will a sausage sizzle and salad from the garden, kids activities (potting seedlings, scarecrow making, storytelling), a photo display showcasing highlights from the past 10 years, and produce to enjoy including honey, jam, and chutney.
“When we moved to Ballina three and a half years ago we heard about the garden from a neighbour. It was one of the first introductions we had and it was the perfect fit,” says Margie Lippiatt, Ballina Community Garden President.
“You’re surrounded by like-minded people who love gardening, love eating fresh food, love getting their fingers in the dirt, but at the same time the people are all so different. They come from a variety of backgrounds so they’ve got an amazing knowledge base. We’ve got everyone from a retired banana farmer to teachers to scientists and community workers.”
The garden has around 50 members and there has been growing interest in the past 12 months with more people moving to Ballina.
Margie says many members live in units or smaller homes and don’t have the space to grow their own garden. Whether or not you have the space at home, the community garden is also a place to share knowledge and connect with people.
“You don’t have to garden, you can just come and have a cuppa,” says Margie. “The sense of community is the most important part of what we do here. There are health benefits, both physical and mental, through enjoying the fresh air, exercise and conversations. And most importantly, there’s laughter.” Looking to the future they would like to reach out to schools, aged care facilities and other groups that may benefit from visiting the garden. They also hope to hold cooking and gardening workshops to encourage locals to get more involved with their community garden. In time they want to build a pergola on the northern side of the clubhouse and create an outdoor kitchen with bench space to host the workshops.
Keen to get involved?
New members are very welcome. Working bees are held every Tuesday and Sunday morning from 9am-12pm, and non-members can pop in for a look and to find out more. Annual membership for an individual is $20, and $35 for a family. Private plots are also available for rent.
Come along to the Ballina Community Garden 10th Anniversary Celebrations on Sunday July 11, from 9am.
Visit www.ballinacommunitygardens.com.au Email ballinacommunitygardens@gmail.com
@ Lennox Head Community Gardens
To mark the unveiling of their newly constructed raised garden beds, Lennox Community Gardens is hosting a celebratory picnic at 2pm on Sunday 18 July. Activities will include a garden tour, workshops, and talks by special guests.
Lennox Community Gardens is located in Ocean Breeze Reserve. Parking is available on Hutley Drive. Guests are asked to bring a drink or plate to share.
Visit lennoxcommunitygardens.weebly.com for more information or email lennoxcommunitygardens@gmail.com
