VISITORS to Petticoat Lane can be sure to see the distinctive red curbing and timber and stone cottages which dot the landscape.
It is not uncommon to see Penola resident Kate Spencer and her beloved cat Oscar pottering around the nearby National Trust herb garden.
Despite being unable to tend to the garden any longer, Ms Spencer still dutifully collects coins left by residents and visitors in exchange for the fresh and organic produce grown on site.
The long-time volunteer and gardener was formally recognised for her contribution on the working herb and vegetable garden – which spanned over 12 years – with a 2020 Premier’s Certificate of Appreciation.
Ms Spencer was overwhelmed by the prestigious recognition and said she enjoyed establishing the popular garden.
She has been the custodian of the site after discovering the National Trust was planning to plough it back to a paddock.
“The herb garden came by chance because someone had the garden here already, but no longer wanted to continue with it,” she said.
“I took it over and made it into what it is today.
“The National Trust wanted to plough it back into a paddock so it was easier to maintain, but I questioned them on whether I could take it over and see what I could do.”
Initially planting easy to grow herbs including sage, thyme and basil, Ms Spencer soon diversified and planted rocket and other herbs to be used in cooking.
The sustainable facility is based on an honour system where visitors and residents are able to purchase products for a small
donation.
“It is very well used and we contribute quite a bit of money to the trust because it is an honour system where we do not specify how much people can give,” she said.
“People are very generous and bring in excess produce to the garden as well.”
Ms Spencer said the garden had provided her with a unique platform to meet likeminded people with an interest in gardening.
“We usually have working bees on the first Saturday of each month and we get an astonishing array of people come and join us who bring their tools, children and dogs and get stuck into the garden,” she said.
“The children would dress up in costumes and loved coming to the garden.
“They would pick petals and bits and pieces from the ground and make garden soup in the birdbath.
“It is wonderful for those who are on their own or live on their own because it is a marvellous way to interact with people and is necessary in small communities because some people cannot afford to pay for absolutely everything so we need volunteers to keep the clock ticking.”
Although health restrictions have meant Ms Spencer has relinquished her gardening duties to Petticoat Lane resident Lynn Karl, she encouraged community members to get outdoors, citing benefits to physical and mental health.
“If people can garden, then they should,” she said.
“They should garden for as long as they can.
“I do feel sad that I can no longer do it because you cannot be miserable while you garden.
“It is quite uplifting.”
Other recipients of the 2020 Premier’s Certificate of Appreciation included David Marcus, Kate Spencer and Winsley Wighton, while Coonawarra’s residents Michelle Stehbens and Suzanne Zwar were recognised for their voluntary efforts.
