A NEW community garden in the City of Wanneroo has a healthy mix of edible produce, fruit trees and flowering Australian native plants, such as rosellas and kangaroo paws.
Nestled between the Girrawheen Library and Hub, the new Girrawheen Community Garden was officially opened by City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts on February 27.
The upkeep of the garden will now be managed by a committee comprising residents and gardening enthusiasts.
Committee chairperson and Girrawheen resident Wendy Newson said she and her husband learned of the garden initiative at an information session at Girrawheen Library.
“We both have an interest in gardening and we grow fruit and vegetables at home,” she said.
“The garden really brightens up and beautifies the area, and it has brought people together to talk about plants.
“We are already having good success with zucchini, and we are growing rockmelon, lettuce, sweet potato and some fruit.
“Depending on how it goes, we may look at setting up a stall and sharing the produce with members of the community down the track.”
Mrs Roberts said the city would continue to support the committee by building their capacity to ensure the long-term success of the garden.
“This project demonstrates the importance of community collaboration,” she said.
“The garden is furnished with colourful benches created by the children of Hudson Park Primary School and stepping stones painted by students from Girrawheen High School, which reflects the shared community involvement in the project.
“The committee has also received monetary support and essential supplies from other local groups, including the Girrawheen Lion’s Club and the Wanneroo Community Men’s Shed.”
Mrs Newson said interested locals were welcome to attend one of the committee’s regular meetings, or weekend busy bee sessions, to learn more about how to get involved.
“We have a big multicultural community here in Girrawheen,’’ she said.
“I hope we can get lots of community members to come along and share what they know.
“There’s potential there to widen our understanding of different plants and produce.”
To find out more and to get involved, search Girrawheen Community Garden on Facebook or email girrawheengarden@gmail.com
