Grow Free cart keeping on

JAN JUC Grow Free has stood the test of time and continued to operate throughout the COVID lockdown, connecting the community through fresh produce.

The community initiative set up by Ryan Ogden and his wife Dee in 2018 gives people a charitable option for surplus stock from their vegie gardens. The humble structure out the front of 16 Riviera Drive contains the simple message “Take what you need, give what you can”.

Throughout the lockdown period the stall has housed feijoas, plants, seedlings, marmalade, chillies, eggs, and even a nectarine tree. On the group’s Facebook page, one user remarked it was the first time they had tried a Feijoa, but Mr Ogden was worried people would grow weary of the food stall.

“I thought hygiene and food sharing might worry some people, but it’s still being used.

“It has quiet spells and busy spells. It’s been great getting to know the neighbourhood. It is a good point of discussion, people are always talking about what they’ve got in their gardens.”

Anything left on the cart too long finds a use too; “our chickens eat the leftovers,” Mr Ogden said.

Mr Ogden started the cart after three strokes in short succession drastically altered his life. Prior to the strokes, Mr Ogden was a regular surfer and mountain bike rider and also ran his own physiotherapy practice. Throughout his stoic but drawn out recovery, he found solace in the garden with his two young daughters.

Recently turning 40 and now with seven years between him and his last surgery, Mr Ogden is dedicated to staying active.

“We are heading camping at Penny Royal in Deans Marsh. I’m excited but a bit apprehensive. I’ve got to push myself for the kids’ sake. I also recently got a three-wheel mountain bike, so I can get out to the bush with my old riding buddies. Its be amazing to be with my mates. My goal this summer is to find something I can do in the ocean with my girls.”

Head to the Facebook page for Grow Free updates.