Locals encouraged to join fruit tree project

THE Surf Coast streetscape could soon be fringed with fruit trees if a not-for-profit community group successfully champions its “fruitopia” vision.

An administrator from Fruit Tree Project Surf Coast, a new Facebook page, said the concept came to fruition following a viral social media post where the idea was first pitched.

Group convener Lucinda Reilly said the initiative is part of a resourceful movement which aims to unite the community by providing edibles to future generations.

“This is a not-for-profit, heart driven initiative with generations to come in mind. We have an opportunity now to put in effort to ensure more edibles on our coast for generations to come,” Ms Reilly said.

“If everybody looked after their own lovely front yard fruit trees, all will benefit in years to come. Edibles bring community together and there is nothing more enjoyable than home grown fruit.”

Over the past month, the project’s volunteers have been co-ordinating meetings and tree planting workshops to spread the word and garner support.

Ms Reilly said the idea was to buy a fruit tree for your neighbour or a loved one so it could be planted in their front garden as part of a communal offering.

Local landscape architect Perry Mills said designing clever urban spaces that are visually appealing yet functional is a phenomenon that’s leading the charge in sustainability.

“We need to be looking at innovative ways to grow healthy local food. In a possible future where broadscale agriculture and horticulture comes under challenge from extremes of temperature and rainfall, our food systems may rely more and more on local and small-scale production in home gardens,” Mr Mills said.

“There is a growing realisation that we can be smarter about how we use our urban spaces. Most front gardens, for instance, only serve an ornamental role and add little to sustainability or to the wider community. We are encouraging people to plant a fruit tree next to the letter box, where it can be shared by others.”

Fruit Tree Project Surf Coast is offering discounted heritage fruit trees which will be available for pick up from the Torquay Farmers Market on August 3. Tickets cost $25 and include the cost of your tree.

To register for the bulk-buy scheme, head to Fruit Tree Project or Eventbrite before it closes this Friday.