Wairoa Community Garden: A place to grow your food and friends
Long-term Bondi resident Rosie McDonell has taught permaculture and organic gardening practices for many years. In partnership with Council, she is currently spearheading the new shared community garden at Wairoa Reserve in Bondi.
Community gardeners getting their hands dirty at Wairoa Reserve
A new, shared community garden filled with veggies, flowers and fruit is being created on council land in Wairoa Reserve, Bondi. The idea ‘sprouted’ years ago within our family as we watched the increasing number of compost bins, veggie patches and fruit trees popping up on verges and median strips. It was clear that many locals were keen to reduce food waste and grow produce locally – especially those without a garden.
So, encouraged by Council’s David Cutler, we submitted an application of intent to set up a shared garden in the unused space at Wairoa Reserve. After receiving approval and a small Council grant for initial start-up costs - we are up and away! We now have 8 sq. meters of wicking beds and several fruit trees. Our compost bins are "cooking well", thanks to donated food waste from a nearby cafe and our community garden members' daily offerings.
Veggie patches at Wairoa Reserve
We have a growing number of wonderful local members. Several working bees have helped us to build the wicking beds, plant fruit trees, and set up compost bins. There have been a lot of laughs and friendships forged along the way!
Community gardening is a great way to learn about nature's cycles, grow food, and connect with like-minded locals. Residents can pick fresh fruit and veggies, while kids at the nearby playground can see where healthy food comes from. It is about creating a more sustainable and beautiful community. My dream is to have many more green spaces, including verges abundant with food and trees for bird and insect habitat, and beauty, and meeting places for human residents!
Intergenerational friends planting together!
Planting seeds and growing food is an act of hope and togetherness in a world filled with harsh news cycles and increased social isolation. I’ve gardened organically for all my life, and when my hands touch the soil, stir the compost and harvest food, I feel as if I am part of the cycles of life, and the outside world disappears for a bit. It's addictive, easy, and it's fun.
Working together to build something beautiful!
We encourage anyone interested to join us – send an email to Rosie at wairoagarden@gmail.com, and we’ll connect you to our WhatsApp group.