Inclusive space for garden-lovers

BALLARAT Community Garden has launched a new all-abilities garden on Dyte Parade.

The space includes raised garden boxes which will be available to members with access requirements.

They are positioned close to equipment sheds, clubrooms and the entrance as well as in full sun to provide users with great produce.

The project was funded by a Ballarat Foundation grant and Mount Mercer Wind Farm donation.

“The garden has been here for almost 20 years but a couple of years ago we noticed that some of our aging members were getting to a point where they couldn’t garden in their normal plot or raised garden bed anymore,” said Ballarat Community Garden president Kylie Moxon.

“We decided that one of the first things we could do was make it accessible by building these beds.”

An opening ceremony was held last Friday with Member for Ballarat Catherine King and Member for Eureka Michaela Settle in attendance.

Sisters of Mercy nuns Sister Marie and Sister Margaret have been involved with the garden for many years.

Now in their late-80s, the new accessible garden means the pair can continue gardening and stay connected with the community.

Sister Margaret said the garden has allowed her to feel part of a community.

“I wasn’t very well but I used to come, and it was my life saver,” she said.

“It was absolutely marvellous, it really was, even though I didn’t feel like coming.

“You meet people from all different walks of life, all different abilities.”