EIGHT-year-old Matthew Lohmann says he picked up a few tips to get started on growing his own garden on Sunday. Now he can hardly wait to start choosing his own seedlings.
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Matthew got busy watering plants for a family friend at Ballarat Community Garden’s annual community harvest.
While he admitted to not knowing a lot about gardening, he was quick to learn.
Ballarat Community Garden’s Sheilagh Kentish said the harvest, and the community space, was the prefect place to swap ideas and seek inspiration.
Ms Kentish said there was an increasing interest from people wanting to know where their food was from. She said many people did not have the space or time to grow their own food, or, some where unsure how to get started, which was how the community garden could help best.
“I’m not the best gardener. But if you’re not the best gardener, stand next to someone who you think is and talk to them,” Ms Kentish said.
If you're not the best gardener, stand next to someone who you think is and talk to them. Gardens are about making new friends and connections.
- Ballarat Community Garden's Sheilagh Kentish
“Gardens are about making new friends and connections. The community coming together like this, shows people can be anybody coming in and still feeling comfortable. Everybody’s smiling because we’re out in the garden.”
Urban Food Garden blogger John Ditchburn offered growing demonstrations while other gardening specialists also had their skills on show in stalls.
The Green Woodsmith Paul Ryle, known for his crafts with fresh wood, sent his wife Jenny with off-cuts from apple trees with roots dating back to the historic 1994 propagated tree in Buninyong.
The community garden now features a herb garden, which proved handy for woodfire pizzas to feed festival goers.
This year’s festival spread across the entire garden with garden art showcased near the entrance and in members’ carefully tended garden beds.
Ballarat Community Garden also hosts workshops for members and a produce swap on the first Saturday of each month.
More gardening advice and inspiration will be showcased next weekend with the City of Ballarat’s Begonia Festival.