CELEBRATIONS were in order for a Shire gardening group recently with the noting of a landmark for their signature event.<\/p>\n
Inverleigh Community Gardeners looked back on five years of their monthly food swap, where residents meet for a chat, and trade produce.<\/p>\n
With cupcakes handed out, group member Kloe Woods said it the ongoing support of the events was \u201cfantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was so great to see so many people swapping food. There was so much produce, we had heaps of seedlings, fruit and vegetables, and it was just lovely,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe town is so supportive, and I think we\u2019ll only continue to gain momentum. We\u2019re getting more and more regular attendants and the town\u2019s getting bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n
The food swap signalled the group\u2019s earliest activities, and it has since sparked an offshoot in Bannockburn which takes place on the opposite fortnight to Inverleigh\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Since then, the group has expanded to allow a seed library, and discussions are in place to establish a community garden.<\/p>\n
With Inverleigh expanding alongside its gardening group, Ms Woods said a shared garden will allow them to continue the food swap \u201con a more permanent basis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a bit of a meeting for it during our fifth anniversary swap, so that\u2019s probably our next major goal moving forward to keep the momentum of the food swap happening,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to try and involve the kindergarteners and local school and community groups as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Woods said that aside from giving locals a place to exchange their garden goods, the food swap also provides an opportunity to get involved with the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more than just swapping produce,\u201d she said. \u201cThe knowledge is amazing from people who have lived in the area for a long time and know the tricks and tips of how to get things growing.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of gardening is trial and error, and when you\u2019ve got like-minded people who are more than happy to share their secrets, it\u2019s such a great community platform to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n
The food swap occurs from 9.30am to 10am on the second Saturday of every month, at the Sonny Wholefood cafe and store.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CELEBRATIONS were in order for a Shire gardening group recently with the noting of a landmark for their signature event. Inverleigh Community Gardeners looked back on five years of their monthly food swap, where residents meet for a chat, and trade produce. With cupcakes handed out, group member Kloe Woods said it the ongoing support […]<\/p>\n