Community Garden asks for enthusiasm in spades

A largely forgotten space behind the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is about to begin a transformation into a vibrant community garden, bringing new life to some long disused tennis courts.

It is hoped that this area will eventually develop into a Cultural and Sustainability Precinct, with the community garden as a key component. The HiCUB team is rehabilitating the creek-land area behind NERAM, and this work is already well underway.

The aim of the garden is to become an area to learn about growing food, get your hands dirty, meet other people and enjoy a beautiful space. At this early stage willing helpers are being called upon to clear some ground, build pumpkin mounds and prepare two planting beds before any more of the Spring slips away.

A working bee is planned for the afternoon of Sunday November 13 from 2pm. Those interested are asked to bring either a spade or a garden fork, a wheelbarrow if possible, and large buckets if they have them, along with gloves, hats and water. Access will be via the gate in Taylor St that leads into Moran Oval.

Local group Sustainable Living Armidale (SLA) is leading the project in its early stages, with enthusiastic support from Armidale Dumaresq Council, which has already done much to help get the project up and running.

“The community garden can become a wonderful asset to Armidale in so many different ways,” said Jo Leoni of SLA. “Not only will the garden produce lots of fresh, healthy food that hasn’t been sprayed with chemicals or travelled hundreds of kilometres to get here, but it can be a place where people of all ages can learn all about growing food for themselves.”

“People can come to the garden to find out all about worm farms or composting or starting no-dig gardens, but they can also come just to relax and chat and enjoy the atmosphere. Many people would like to grow their own food but don’t know where to start. At the community garden newcomers will be able to meet and work with experienced gardeners, learning all they need to know to help them get started”.

Although both SLA and Council are keen to help the garden in whatever way possible, its development will be a totally community-driven project. Anyone wishing to get involved can contact Jo Leoni on jo@bushrock.net or Robert Gasparre on anythingispossible2@bigpond.com.

Robert and his wife Sarah started the Farmers’ Market in Armidale in 2009 and are dedicated to seeing more food being produced in the local area. Robert has been working hard to see the community garden become a reality, along with Rowan Tihema from NERAM Harvest, whose thoughtful advice and help have proved invaluable.