Produce Tree continues to grow in Portarlington

THE Portarlington Produce Tree is looking forward to expanding their workload after getting the green light to make new additions to their community gardens.

Building has commenced on the six new planters that will be added to the Tree’s space after the expansion was granted by the Portarlington Freemasons.

It will take some time to complete the project according to organiser of the Portarlington Produce Tree Gabrielle Werner, but she is in no rush to speed up the construction.

“The upcoming expansion will be a gradual process dependant on time, volunteers and materials donated,” Ms Werner said.

“Also, we have been held up due to the various lockdowns.

“We do hope to have most of the planters up by the end of the year. However, there is never a rush under the Tree. It is a beautiful, relaxing, and enjoyable space to visit.”

The new expansion to the Community Gardens will see the growth of many more vegetables that are being shared within the community.

Vegetables that will be shared in the expanded gardens include parsley, chives, celery, silverbeet and jonquils.

Growers have also produced larger vegetables such as pumpkins, tomatoes, radishes, beans, carrots, and spring onions in the past, as well as a range of herbs.

“We now have a fantastic, dedicated team of volunteers who help to maintain the gardens and the general Produce Tree space,” Ms Werner said.

“With so many hands, the workload is very manageable, and this makes it possible to add or expand more growing space.

“However, we always welcome new volunteers who may be interested in getting involved.”

The Produce Tree is located at the rear of 28 Brown St in Portarlington and has been running since January 2018 as a place for locals to share their excess home-grown produce.

It also considers itself a part of the ‘Grow Free’ movement, a grassroots community building movement that promotes a sustainable culture of growing and sharing healthy food and other resources with their neighbours and the local area.

Organised swaps are held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, where they provide connections for like-minded individuals to come together to chat and share tips.

The Produce Tree recently held its 60th meet, but it is open and accessible every day during daylight hours for locals and visitors to drop off and/or take produce.

To get involved you can join the Portarlington Produce Tree Facebook group or email [email protected].