From little things big things grow in community garden
WHEN Terry and Hazel Pailthorpe downsized and moved to Living Gems Toowoomba, they didn’t miss the ongoing maintenance of a big house and large lawn.
However, they did miss their fresh herbs and veggies.
On moving in, they set up their own small plot in their backyard for herbs and soon after came across the community garden the resort had provided for all residents.
The garden was brand new and all it took was a few people to get together and form an action plan.
Less than six months on, it is providing vegetables for the residents including lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, beetroot, peas and beans.
The area is made up of three raised gardens beds, so there is no heavy digging and not much bending required.
Residents have donated seed, fertiliser, shade cloth and lots of advice.
The garden has been operating since Easter, with a number of successful crops grown.
Mr Pailthorpe said everything is harvested when ripe and taken to the Country Club to share with residents for a small gold coin donation.
“All proceeds go back into the garden,” he said.
An important aspect of the community garden is recording the weather patterns and crop outcomes for future years.
“We were hit by frost in June and lost a few tomato plants,” Mr Pailthorpe said.
”We’ve recorded this and will be conscious of it at the same time next year.”
The group is in the process of clearing out the garden and bedding down for winter.
“We have planted some winter veg including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and cabbage and are deciding whether to plant more or leave the rest of the beds to settle before spring,” Mr Pailthorpe said.
“It’s a community garden so the Living Gems community decides what is grown and how the garden is managed.”
For further information please call Living Gems Toowoomba on 1800 841 924 or visit livinggems.com.au