Garden party for first birthday

More than 500 people recently attended a garden party to celebrate the first birthday of the Eastern Park Community Garden.

Live music, children’s activities and garden tours were highlights of the full day of activities.

Garden coordinator Donna Hallam said the nearby carparks and roads were constantly packed with vehicles as easily more than 500 people joined in the party.

“It was a fabulous day and we hope to see this continue as an annual event,” said Ms Hallam.

Families were out in force as regular attendees and newcomers enjoyed activities on offer.

As local performers and young people provided live music, children enjoyed making various garden themed items and potting up flowers. The Warragul Girl Guides conducted activities whilst stallholders offered food and plants.

Garden tours were enjoyed as well as a workshop on healthy eating by the West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

The garden regularly welcomes local organisations such as Scope, Mawarra and playgroups. Ms Hallam said many of those community members came down to help celebrate.

A birthday cake by Anne Cope was also cut to mark the occasion.

The community garden offers a variety of activities and workshops. A community aquaponics fish harvest luncheon will be held on Saturday, December 5.

Cutting the birthday cake for the Eastern Park Community Garden’s first birthday are (from left) volunteers Anne Cope, Peter Lennox, Joy Pentland, Bella Hallam and coordinator Donna Hallam.

Above left: Bella Hallam views sweet peas at the Eastern Park Community Garden. The 13-year-old provided entertainment throughout the first birthday event. Above right: Mick Parkinson (left) and Drew Guy check out the Eastern Park Community Garden...