Build new skills, create connections and grow sustainable food

“I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose, I would always greet it in a garden” – Ruth Stout.

During this spring’s Southbank Sustainability Group (SSG) gardening sessions, these words resonated with active participation of the community. During both gardening sessions in September, there was strong volunteer participation, and the garden beds were actively prepared for spring planting.

During the initial session on September 13, a series of tasks were conducted to prepare for spring, including fertilising, pruning, applying worm juice and compost to the beds, and planting various flowering seeds in the beds, such as sunflowers.

The second session was held on AFL Grand Final Saturday, and attendance in our garden area was comparable to maximum capacity at the MCG. Several new Southbank residents participated in our recent session.

The community garden space reflected a positive and vibrant atmosphere, reminiscent of the spirit in Mike Brady’s One Day in September. All scheduled tasks were completed efficiently, largely due to the valuable contributions of the new gardening volunteers.

During their first session, volunteers were introduced to gardening activities such as pruning shrubs, weeding garden beds, and planting herbs. Some plants were mistakenly removed while clearing the beds. New members observed and learned alongside experienced team members.

Coriander, basil, and tarragon have been newly planted in response to requests from local community members. Please note that the GREEN signal rocks will serve as indicators when these herbs are ready for harvest. Several green leafy vegetables – including lettuce, beetroot, and silver beet – are currently thriving in the beds, having been planted during the winter months. The broad beans appear healthy and are expected to be ready for harvest soon.

Although the Brussels sprouts performed exceptionally well throughout winter, they were unfortunately lost to cabbage patch moths as temperatures rose. The globe artichokes are showing growth, and recently planted zucchini, tomatoes, and potatoes are anticipated to be ready for harvest in early summer.

With the arrival of warmer weather, more activities become available in spring. October marks the Victorian Seniors Festival, and this year’s theme is “Connect, Create, Celebrate”. SSG acknowledges the contributions made by seniors in establishing a space that serves Southbank residents and neighbouring communities. Multiple free events will be held throughout the City of Melbourne and at community library spaces during the month for Victorian seniors.

On October 25, SSG will commemorate National Children’s Week by hosting a special event for our younger community members: “Plant Your Own Sunflower.” No registration is required. Young participants, accompanied by their parents, are invited to join us at the community garden space from 10am to 11.30 am. All planting materials will be provided.

Our upcoming working bee dates

October 11 and 25, between 10am and 12pm at Boyd Community Hub.

About the Group

Southbank Sustainability Group is composed of Southbank residents aiming to improve sustainability practices in the community. The group can be contacted at [email protected], on Facebook at FB/southbanksustainabilitygroup, or on Instagram @southbanksustainabilitygroup •