With the community garden one year shy of its 10th anniversary, this year organisers are hoping to build momentum for the milestone. 

Ballarat Community Garden chairperson Sheilagh Kentish said she expected hundreds of visitors to flow through the gates this weekend. 

“We’re hoping to see 800 people show up,” Ms Kentish said. 

“Last year we raised $4000, so we’re hoping to raise that and more this year.” 

This year the Ballarat Community Garden committee is hoping to raise enough

money to install solar panels on their shed. 

“We have a heater in the shed but no electricity, so we’re hoping to install solar panels for lighting,” Ms Kentish said.

Cooking demonstrations, plants, produce and flower stalls and children’s entertainment will be available on the day.

The Ballarat Community Garden provides the opportunity for individuals, school and community to grow plants or vegetables, who may not have the facilities to do so at home.

Ms Kentish said 70 garden beds were occupied in the garden, with about 120 to 130 people associated with the garden. 

“I’ve made some close friends through the program,” Ms Kentish said.