Community and Council Working Together for Food Growing Initiatives

Joynton Park edible community, garden patch. Gadigal Ave, Zetland, Sydney, Australia - near the undercover BBQ area

This is a good news update, regarding the community garden patch at Joynton Park, Zetland, Sydney, Australia (food growing patch).

You may recall that the garden patch had deteriorated to the point of needing to be replaced.

The Parks Department of the City of Sydney came to the Green Square Growers rescue, by recently carriering out some urgent repairs.

A large piece of formply has been attached to the front of the garden patch.  This repair isn’t a permanent solution but will give GSG approximately 12 months before we will have to replace the garden bed.

Within this 12 months time the Green Square Growers will:

* update / replace and potentially extend other garden beds, that GSG has installed in the area.
* replace the garden bed mentioned above and potentially extend it.
* continually work alongside City Council, local residents and all those who are keen to help.  For the community and by the community!

An Inclusive, Always Opened Community Garden in Sydney

Over three years ago, a small but inspired group of Green Square locals, had a vision – install tiny community garden patches throughout the Green Square area of Sydney.

As one of the co-founders of ‘The Green Square Growers‘, we rebelled against the idea of having a traditionally fenced community garden.  For us it was paramount that our community garden patches were inclusive and accessible to anyone, anytime – no fence, gates or restrictive membership.

Last Saturday, The Green Square Growers gathered to give one of our patches some care and love.

Personally what I most love about the garden patches, is we don’t know all who care and use them. Sit for awhile near one of the patches, on a weekend or even after work hours.  Eventually you will encounter a ‘phantom’ local gardener.  They plant, pick, harvest, water and enjoy their local garden patch in their own time and in their own way – planting, picking, harvesting, watering and caring.

On Saturday, I watched from a distance as a young family gathered around the garden patch, just after The Green Square Growers left.  They have never attended a Green Square Growers gathering and probably have never engaged on our Facebook page but to me they are the reason our inclusive vision has been successful.

Quietly and respectively I listened as the family explored the garden patch together.  “What’s that Dad?” asks the youngest child. “Tomatoes and I think that’s rosemary….try some mint”.

The conversation and interaction with the garden patch warmed my heart.

Community Garden in Green Square of Sydney

The Green Square Growers love growing food – at home and in public spaces around Green Square area of Sydney (Zetland).

We have two community garden patches and this Saturday the 10th of January at 1pm, we will be gathering to give one garden patch some love.  We will be planting, mulching etc etc.

Everyone is welcome – just pop down.

Our Facebook page has the details

Meeting at Tote Park (100 Joynton Ave, Zetland – behind the library)
Saturday the 10th of January at 1pm

 

 

Supporting the New Edible Community Garden in Rosebery

As one of the co-founders of the Green Square Growers, we are passionate about supporting those who want to grow their own food at home and or in public spaces.

To date, the Green Square Growers have built and installed two edible garden patches in the inner City Sydney suburb of Zetland – for everyone.

We have since been contacted by the people at ‘Eastern Respite and Recreation’ in the neighbouring suburb of Rosebery.  They told us of their idea to build a community garden in Rosebery, which has the support from the City of Sydney.  It was a ‘no-brainer’ for us – we said YES to supporting the project.

Do you live near Rosebery and interested to know more about getting involved with a community garden project?  There is a community consultation, morning tea THIS SATURDAY and you are invited to come along.

Saturday the 18th of October at 10am
Crete Reserve, Rosebery Ave, Rosebery 
At this stage no need to RSVP – just pop in

Making Garden Paper Pots for Children at Green Square this Saturday

If you are around the Green Square Markets this Saturday, come say G’day.

 

We (the Green Square Growers) will be set up in front of the information kiosk at the Markets.  Making paper garden pots with children (or big kids) at the markets.  Children will then fill their pots with soil and choose a seed to plant in their pot.  Of course children then take their pots home to care for and love.

 

Where are the Green Square Markets?

Gadigal Ave, Zetland (Joynton Park)

 

Where will we be?

In front of the information kiosk

 

What time will we be there?

10.30am to 12noon 

 

Everyone is most welcome to join in – bring the kids.  Or just pop by and say G’day.

 

Green Square Growers meet at the Green Square Markets

Do you live close to Green Square,  Sydney?  A number of community groups, events and activities are coinciding this Saturday – a great day to get out and about in the City.

The group that I co-founded, the Green Square Growers will be meeting at Joynton Park (Gadigal Ave, Zetland – near the undercover BBQ area).  This will be at the same time and location as the Green Square Markets.

I believe that the Thi Chi Friendship Group will also be there, demonstrating their skills.  Everyone is welcome to have a go and join in.

The Green Square Markets start from 9am however the Green Square Growers and myself will be there from 10.30am.

Come on down to say hello and enjoy the market atmosphere and activities.

Did You See the Rising Lunar Eclipse?

I was motivated to photograph the blood moon tonight and even set my mobile alarm to remind myself of the event.

At 5.23pm I was outside and ready but alas no sign of the rising blood moon.  Sydney and further afield was overcast.

Slightly disappointed,  I decided to post a photo of blood red cherry tomatoes instead.  These were freshly picked from our garden yesterday.