Open garden going for growth

IF you’ve ever driven past the Lucas Community Garden but never stopped to take a closer look, this weekend is the ideal opportunity.

Members of the grassroots growing group, including president David Sanders, are hosting an open day on Saturday, 10 September at 10am.

Their aim is to get neighbours together, and to attract some more members.

“The garden is a great gathering point for the Lucas community to network and provides a space for people to get engaged with their local community,” he said.

“All members need to do is come along, plant some plants, and maintain them. There’s already plants including silver beet, rhubarb, lemon and fruit trees, and herbs.

“If people don’t have a garden of their own, but still would like to do some gardening, especially with their children, they are encouraged to contribute.”

A free barbecue will run during the open day, plants will be given away, some spring planting will get underway, and children will have the chance to paint and decorate some of the planter boxes with bright, colourful pictures.

Attendees will also be able to meet representatives from the City of Ballarat, Integra, and the Alfredton and Wendouree Breakfast Rotary clubs, and check out plans for the Lucas area, including the next stages of the Rotary Centennial Park.

The Lucas Community Garden launched in March 2020 and is located behind the Lucas Community Hub.

Also housed at the site is a food-swap cabinet so growers can share their excess produce and reduce waste.

Mr Sanders said composting will become more of a focus in the coming seasons, and some committee members will be active in the garden each Saturday morning from 10am in the coming months.