Summer Community Gardening

Summer is often the most challenging season for gardening.  Your action plan in the garden for when the sun heats up will most likely include feeding your garden and vegetable patch, summer prune, lawn care, mulch to keep moisture in and will definitely include watering.

For me, it is a time when our family spends a lot of our time in the garden just being and enjoying the space we have nurtured and created.  I love the smell of BBQ’s cooking, kids playing in the backyard and down the street and enjoying the fruits of our gardening efforts.    The sun seems to draw everyone out of their homes and in to the garden where we get to see more of our neighbours and enjoy the delights of our local community.

This summer I invite you to take time out from your space and take a look in the bigger backyard around you.  Central highlands region is at the forefront of a new paradigm of how we produce and consume our food.  From access to fresh produce, local community gardens, local schools teaching kids about the importance of healthy eating, to supporting and promoting local farms, there are no shortage of organisations, groups and individuals here trying to make a difference.

With groups like Permaculture guilds, Community Gardens, Farmers’ Markets, and Organic Farms right at your doorstep, get out this Summer and learn something new to bring in to your space.  These groups also have a great way to inspire the sharing of information and experiences so we can all grow together.

Our gardens have many benefits; the main one is gardens play a special role in keeping us healthy.  It is a journey of continuous learning and over time there are countless things to be learned.  One of the most important things with our gardens is to keep learning, experimenting and exploring.

Community gardens are popping up all over the place now.  If you get a chance, head down to the local community garden in your area.  The local council will be able to provide you with your nearest location.  These are places where people come together to grow fresh food, to learn, to relax, to meet new friends and a great source of returning food production to the city and country towns.  Everyone has different ideas and stories about their gardens.  This is a great space to learn from others and share tips and tricks.

I encourage you to grow a different plant, try a new recipe using the fresh produce from your garden or learn how to make something special for your space.   Then the best part of learning is, to teach others what you have learnt so we can all keep learning together.

I hope you enjoy the festive season and happy gardening!