THIS Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the Old Mount Gambier Gaol Community Garden.
The area behind the heritage listed Old Mount Gambier Gaol, previously the walled garden used by prisoners to grow fruit and vegetables, has fostered a sense of community spirit since the garden was established in April 2007.
Member Mike Smith said he used his plot at the garden to grow vegetables.
“My wife and I moved to Mount Gambier from the Clare Valley a few years ago,” Mr Smith explained.
“We had an acre of land there and I missed being out in the garden so this was the perfect antidote.
“It’s a social environment – I try to spend an hour here most days of the week. ”
A host of local organisations provided resources to establish the garden – local businesses supplied soil and irrigation for the orchard, while the Australian Open Garden Scheme funded the rainwater tanks.
Committee member Gael Ford said the garden promoted interaction between members of the community with a passion for gardening.
“It provides a place where enthusiastic gardeners who may not have access to a garden at home are able to grow their own fresh vegetables and share ideas, advice and knowledge with other members,” Ms Ford said.
The community garden is run by a voluntary committee, with 21 members representing a cross-section of the community, including people of different generations, cultures and backgrounds.
“The area is subdivided into 48 individual garden plots, each plot 10 metres squared, including three raised beds for members who may be unable to garden at ground level,” Ms Ford said.
“The plots are rented for $7 each per month to cover the cost of soil, water, compost, use of large and small garden tools and other incidental expenses and some members hold more than one plot to assist with crop rotation.
“Other areas are designated for communal use to be shared and maintained by members – right now they are planted out with asparagus, globe artichokes, kiwi fruit, raspberries and a range of herbs. ”
The shared orchard is planted with a combination of stone fruit, citrus and nut trees.
A pergola provides shade in the warmer months and shelter during winter and features a traditional wood-fire pizza oven and gas barbecue.
“Garden members are free to enjoy the pizza oven and barbecue for shared gatherings,” Ms Ford said.
Opportunities exist for locals interested in joining the Old Mount Gambier Gaol Community Garden.
Email mtggarden@gmail. com or write to the Old Mount Gambier Gaol Community Garden, PO Box 971, Mount Gambier, 5290, for further information.
