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Photo: Tarrangower Times<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
It is a finely tuned, productive, social and educational project where people can belong and contribute in many different capacities. Originally a barren paddock that belongs to the Anglican Church, the amazing transformation shows what wonderful things people can do with an empty space. Members work on their own plots to grow produce for their own use or just contribute to digging and other tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Designed in a mandala pattern which maximises productive space, the centre is decorated with a sculpture and water feature, and paths flow out from the middle line the garden plots. Additional individual plots are located around the edges to cater for the growing interest from gardeners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is good to invite new people who are always welcome,\u201d said Shana, one of the members. The garden produces fruit and vegetables, which are used by the members, and the excess is dried, used for chutneys, fed to the chooks and\/or donated to community groups. The growing and cultivating techniques used are based on organic\/biodynamic and permaculture principles and aim to incorporate artwork by local artisans to make the space beautiful as well as productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a solar dehydrator that is currently drying mini pears that came from the pear trees. Workshops teaching people how to compost are offered, while Sarah describes composting as \u201c\u2026a lasagne of garden waste with straw and a variety of animal poo including chook poo from the chooks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working Bees are held; produce is sold at market stalls, and open garden tours occur at different times of the year. The membership fees help to pay the water bills and other costs that are incurred with managing a garden, such as rent to the Church for the space, maintenance for a lawn mower and purchase of straw for the composting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No chemicals are used in the garden, which means a constant battle with keeping the bugs at bay but with the help of the chooks and people power, the garden grows well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are so many opportunities at the garden where people can share with those who may not have their own space for a garden. Accessible gardening is also provided for anyone with mobility issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Newstead Community Garden aims to connect with the community through gardening, sustainability, and educational activities, to generate a culture of sharing, accessibility and sociability, to promote water use efficiency and to encourage seasonal, healthy eating and local food security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More information can be found on the Newstead Community Garden\u2019s website: https:\/\/newsteadgarden.wordpress.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n