Spring has sprung in Southbank

Welcome to the November column from Southbank Sustainability Group. We continue to make the most of Melbourne’s warmer and sunny weather in the community garden at the Boyd.

It seems many of the locals are doing the same. We have locals either joining us for gardening every second Saturday morning or simply wandering through the garden, often stopping to talk to us while we are watering the garden beds, about the garden and what is planted.

Each season we make a plan about what to plant, building on our knowledge of what does and does not succeed in the garden and experimenting with different vegetables and herbs.

The location of the community garden offers some unique challenges. The site is exposed, and winds are significant throughout the year. Of more significance, the site receives very limited sunlight for much of the year meaning many vegetables will not succeed or take longer to mature.

It is for this reason the beds can look a little empty at certain times of the year and it is why you will see an emphasis on leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and sorrel and herbs and other quickly-growing vegetables. Choosing plants with a shorter growth cycle means we can grow multiple crops over the warmer summer months.

This year we will not be planting any tomatoes as we are rotating crops across the different garden beds to minimise the risk of viruses in the soil which can come with planting the same vegetables in the same bed each year. Instead, you will see we have leeks and fennel nearly ready to harvest.

Our sunflowers are growing strongly responding to the sunlight and warmth. We ask that you do not cut or break these off. They have an important role in attracting pollinators to the garden as well as adding a visual pleasure for everyone. You will see we are experimenting with chokos and corn. We would love to hear any suggestions you have for planting. Just send us an email.

The National Recycling Week, organised by Planet Ark each year since 1996, is on again this year between November 10 and 16. We can all help reduce waste and in doing so reduce materials in landfill and reduce greenhouse emissions.

Planet Ark makes the point that since 1996, the recycling rate in Australia has gone from seven per cent (1.5 million total tonnes recycled) to more than 60 per cent and 43 million tonnes of materials recycled. Per person, recycling has increased from just 80kg of material yearly in 1996, to now about 1700kg in 2025. Have a look at their website for resources and ideas including some especially designed for children recyclingnearyou.com.au/nationalrecyclingweek.

While Christmas and the holiday season are still a while off, do make sure you consider the environmental impacts of your plans and shopping. If you are starting to think about presents make sure to make use of the many local op shops.

If you enjoy some hands-on activity in the garden join us Saturday between 10am and noon every second weekend for a little gardening (no previous experience required) and discussion. We are located in the community garden in front of the Boyd Community Hub. November meet up date is November 22, 2025.

About the group

Southbank Sustainability Group is a solutions-focussed community group of Southbank residents working to bring positive change in sustainability practices. Reach us at [email protected] or facebook.com/SouthbankSustainabilityGroup or Instagram on @southbanksustainabilitygroup.

If you are interested in getting involved with Southbank Sustainability Group join us at a Saturday meetup or send us an email. •