Greens and herbs flourishing in Lucas’ Garden

SINCE it officially opened in March, the Lucas Community Garden has seen less green-thumbs out and about than originally planned due to the pandemic.

Regardless, committee member, Katherine Scott said things are still growing well.

“We haven’t done as much as we would have liked to, but The Garden has been plodding along, more or less by itself, with a couple of volunteers watering and occasionally planting a few bits and pieces,” she said.

“We garden with gloves on, practice good hand hygiene and don’t go when ill. We’ve been relying heavily on rainfall to water it, which has been enough.”

At the time of its launch, there were some summer veggies and fruit in the Garden.

“It was a difficult season for them in Ballarat, and tomatoes didn’t ripen particularly well. We’ve learned a lot about what we can put in, and spacing.

“We’re not expert gardeners, but have a little bit of experience and are keen to encourage people to get out and have a try,” Ms Scott said.

Zucchinis, capsicums, lettuces, beetroots, and long-lasting herbs, including parsley, have been flourishing.

“We’re encouraging people to take from the garden when they’re out on their walks, if they live nearby,” Ms Scott said.

“People tell me they come along and pluck a handful of parsley when they’re going past.”

Lots of greens are developing, including purple kale. Residents have picked leaves to throw together mixed salads.

“I’ve put out information on the Facebook page about nasturtiums and calendula, because a lot of people don’t know you can put the edible leaves or flowers in salads.”

A weekly club was established when the space first launched, where volunteers could come along, do a few tasks that needed to be done in the garden and have a cuppa together, but this had to wind down due to COVID-19.

Workshops were also planned which the committee hasn’t yet delivered due to the virus, but the committee is active on the Garden’s Facebook page, keeping locals engaged.

“We haven’t encouraged any gathering because the Garden is just outside the COVID testing centre. Vulnerable people isolating, who are some of the people keen on helping in the garden, are understandably not keen on hanging out in that area,” Ms Scott said.

The committee is now looking towards spring and summer, could soon become incorporated, and is exploring the possibilities of moving the Garden away from the testing centre.

“Hopefully we can look at a more permanent location where we can expand, and it can flourish.”

If you’re interested in joining the committee, contact [email protected] or visit facebook.com/lucascommunitygarden. The Garden also puts together an email newsletter.

Ms Scott reminds those heading to the Garden to wear their mask, maintain social distancing and practice good hand hygiene.