Embracing spring with sunflowers and sustainable choices

“As we sow a seed, we plant a narrative of future possibility” – Sue Stuart-Smith, The Well-Gardened Mind.

Words by Seema Misra Thakur & Rahul Sujan

As spring nears, this quote resonates deeply. It reminds us that each seed we plant holds the promise of growth, beauty, and new beginnings, much like the sunflowers our Southbankers recently planted at the Second Festival of Boyd. 

This activity not only set us in the mood for spring, but also introduced our youngest Southbank residents to the wonders of nature and biodiversity, even amid high-rise living. We’re excited to see some beautiful sunflowers brighten our gardens in the coming months!

Lord Mayor Nick Reece joined the children in the sunflower planting, and both parents and kids enjoyed friendly banter and fun with him. Keep an eye on our socials for updates on the growth and progress of our sunflowers.

While we’re penning this article in August, by the time it’s published, it will officially be spring. However, spring seems to have already been playing an early game of hide-and-seek throughout August. 

The unusually warm weather brought early blooms and visits from Rainbow Lorikeets and Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos to the gardens around Southbank. The buzz of bees in the lavender bushes at Boyd gardens added to the feeling that spring arrived ahead of schedule. 

While these early signs of the season bring a certain charm, they also remind us of the shifting climate patterns and the delicate balance of our local ecosystems. As we enjoy these moments, let’s remain mindful of the broader environmental changes they may signal.

The SSG gardening team made great progress with its spring preparations during the first and second gardening bees in August. Volunteers focused on tidying up and getting the beds ready for the new season, leaving them looking fresh and ready for planting. 

The garden shed also underwent a complete overhaul – emptied out, thoroughly cleaned, and reorganised by our meticulous team members Cheryl and Maria. After all the hard work, the team enjoyed a well-deserved break, treating themselves to homemade biscuits baked by Faye. So far, we’ve planted a variety of herbs, peas, broad beans, spring onions, chives, and silver beet.

However, maintaining the garden beds hasn’t been without challenges. The bitterly cold days and dry spells have dried out the beds, making it difficult to keep the wicking beds hydrated. We’re in need of more volunteers to help with the watering roster. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please get in touch!

As we embrace the arrival of spring, it's a wonderful opportunity to integrate sustainability into our daily lives. As we prepare our gardens and enjoy the vibrant season, here are some practical tips to help you live more sustainably and make the most of the springtime renewal:

Spring sustainability tips

• Get gardening: start a vegie garden to enjoy fresh, plant-based foods and reduce emissions from food transport. Compost food waste to improve soil health.
• Seasonal shopping: opt for local, seasonal produce such as asparagus, bananas, carrots, strawberries, and zucchini to cut down on your food footprint.
• Recycle right: recycle or donate unwanted items instead of sending them to landfill. Learn about recycling common household items to minimise waste.
• Green cleaning: use natural cleaning agents like baking soda, white vinegar, tea tree oil, and lemon juice to clean your home. Dispose of old household cleaners responsibly at Detox Your Home events.
• Eco energy: save on electricity by using natural ventilation in cooler parts of the day and hang your clothes to dry instead of using a dryer.
• Enjoy the outdoors: embrace the spring weather with sustainable practices for picnics, road trips, music festivals, and outdoor activities.

These tips will help you integrate sustainable practices into your spring routine and contribute to a greener, more vibrant season. More information can be found at Sustainability Victoria.

Upcoming events in September

On September 14, SSG members will be at the Zero Waste Festival at the Atrium / Edge, at Federation Square, feel free to join us! Entry is free. Run by Zero Waste Victoria.

On September 28, don’t miss the Bee Biodiversity & Sustainability workshop conducted by Helen from Friends with Honey at Boyd Community Hub. Further details and the registration link will be available on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

About the group 

SSG is a solution-focused community group of Southbank residents, working to bring positive change in sustainability practices.

For more information:
facebook.com/southbanksustainabilitygroup or email [email protected] •