Banno green thumbs seek new members

BEAUTIFY Bannockburn is a group of keen gardeners who volunteer their time, and right now they’re on the lookout for new members.

For about the past nine years, the group has been gardening in High Street Bannockburn with usually around five or six members.

Now, as they begin planning for their new spring plantings the group is currently particularly keen to attract some new green thumbs to join them in their ongoing town beautification efforts.

The enthusiastic bunch of gardeners generally do their volunteer gardening work from 10am to 11am on Friday mornings and their efforts with the gardens along High Street have enhanced the attractive look and feel of the town.

Members say it’s been rewarding seeing their volunteer efforts enhance the Bannockburn town landscape and help to foster a sense of connection and pride in the local community.

Group member Beth Kershaw said that at present the number of members with the group has fallen to four, and they would like a bit of help to boost their numbers and ensure that High Street continues to be cared for and be beautiful.

“The members garden for approximately one hour on a Friday morning from 10am,” Ms Kershaw said.

“As well as caring for the gardens, it is a chance to meet other gardeners, have a chat and sometimes a coffee afterwards.”

As the garden beds were mostly empty when the group started, they have been able to choose the planting scheme and members says it’s been rewarding to watch the transformation “from empty, barren garden beds to a colourful street display that changes with the seasons.”

“Our next project will be to plant some new plants to fill in vacant areas ready for Spring,” Ms Kershaw said.

She said that Beautify Bannockburn welcomes new members and anyone interested in joining them can say hi on a Friday morning or contact Susan Van den Ham at Golden Plains Shire for more information.