The latest from Southbank Sustainability Group

Sunflowers have been blooming in several of the raised garden beds in the community garden in front of the Boyd Community Hub. You can’t miss the bright yellow flowers that follow the sun during the day. They are very attractive to bees as well. 

We grow them each year for their colour and their seeds which can be used to grow the flowers next season or to eat. Their scientific name is Helianthus being made up of the Greek words for “sun” and “flower” – helios and anthus. 

Sunflowers are said to have originated in the Americas around 1000 BC. It is also said that sunflowers symbolise loyalty in some cultures, while in China they symbolise long life and good luck. There is some suggestion that including sunflowers in teas, massage oils and evening cooking are all practical forms of self-care.

Sunflowers have another role today. Some people will wear a sunflower badge or carry a lanyard with a picture of a sunflower on it. It is the way that person chooses to let you know they have a “non-visible” condition that may mean they need some support or extra time as they carry out their daily tasks. For more information: hdsunflower.com/au

It is not just the sunflowers that have enjoyed the combination of sunlight, warmer weather and the occasional rain in February. Southbankers have been harvesting plenty of lettuces, carrots, beans, eggplants and herbs including basil, sage and chives. 

It is always fun to meet the locals who wander through the garden early in the morning and harvest something from the garden to add to their lunch or dinner. We have just planted more coriander which will be ready to harvest in another month. The cherry tomatoes have plenty of fruit. We just need to be patient for another few weeks until the fruit ripens.

Southbankers are always on the lookout for parkland opportunities. Work is coming together on the urban garden to be located in the Melbourne Arts Precinct. 

The garden, known as Laak Boorndap, will feature plants that can survive hot, dry conditions in shallow soil. You can see examples of what will be in the garden and learn more about a range of sustainability topics including the choice of plants for the new garden, biodiversity and climate change at a “test site” now located at Federation Square on the deck of the skyline car park. 

There will be a range of activities during March. More information can be found at fedsquare.com/events/test-garden.

Southbank Sustainability Group is on both Facebook and Instagram. We are looking for volunteers who would like to assist in keeping these sites up to date. Email [email protected] if you are interested in helping.

And, 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. Upcoming meet-up dates are March 15 and 29.

Visit our Facebook page if you are looking for information on how to live more sustainably. There are guides on subjects as diverse as sustainable travel, reducing the impacts of your pets on the environment, volunteering and food composting.

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 meet-up or send us an email. •