Drouin Girl Guides help plant project

There were smiles all around as Drouin Girl Guides undertook planting tasks for the “Greening the Walkway” project in areas along Bosanko Path in Drouin.

The 15 guides and five leaders joined with members of Friends of Drouin’s Trees for the Federal Government funded project. It was great to see two community groups working towards improving Drouin for the betterment of all.

The planting event follows one nearby area being planted as part of National Tree Day in 2019. Now colourful and healthy, it attracts many resident comments.

The Drouin guides planted understorey plants under a large gum near the playground on Clifford Dr. The area had been prepared by Baw Baw Shire Council, with weeds sprayed and mulch spread.

Members of Friends of Drouin’s Trees had the area set up and demonstrated the planting.

With the guides split into two groups, a second group helped to add more plants to the area further along the path at the old swimming hole near Lampard Rd.

About 150 plants were put in such as correas, grevilleas, small melaleucas and various grasses. Each plant was fitted with a guard held by two stakes to protect it until it grows.

The guides did a variety of tasks including digging holes, fitting guards and watering all plants.

“The planting was really fun and relaxing,” said guide Libby Haynes. “There were smiles all round; even if it was under a mask.”

“It was great to be able to help out the Friends of Drouin’s Trees and serve our community by making the path a little more attractive and beautiful. We look forward to being able to come back and look at our work once the plants have grown more and continue to care for the plants,” she added.

Anyone interested in joining Drouin Girl Guides as a way to give back to the community, can contact Diane on 0407 044 573. The group currently meets in a COVID and child safe format on Monday afternoons.

Anyone interested in being part of future working bees or Friends of Drouin’s Trees activities, email friendsofdrouinstrees@gmail.com.

Teaming with Friends of Drouin’s Trees for planting tasks to benefit the town are Drouin Girl Guides (back, from left) Chelsie Smith, Paige Dougheney, Leah Vogelsang, Gemma Vassallo, leader Kristy Dougheney, leader Diane Jackson, Libby Haynes, leader Delma Marriott, Maddi West, Jeff Smythe, Jessica Lacunes, Samantha Smith, Lilli Ashman, leader Ann Watson, (front, from left) Sascha Van de Burgt, Zoe Dougheney, Hannah West and Indie McDonald.

Viewing their completed planting work are (from left) Samantha Smith, Pippa Bryant, Indie McDonald, Paige Dougheney, Chelsie Smith, Lilli Ashman, Hannah West, Zoe Dougheney, Gemma Vassallo, Sascha Van de Burgt and Libby Haynes.

Right - Planting near the old swimming hole near Lampard Rd, Drouin are (from left) Maddi West, leader Diane Jackson and Leah Vogelsang.