Singleton Shire Landcare Network and Garden Organics Services have teamed up with the Singleton Community Garden group, local Indigenous elders and the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council to revamp the community space on Bathurst Street, next to Albion Park, with truckloads of fresh compost, soil conditioner and more than 400 new plants.
Over 35 people from the community came together on Sunday, 22 Sept to take part in the Spring garden revamp.
Singleton Landcare provided the 400 plants that were used to create a native bird habitat haven and replant the bush tucker and indigenous learning circles. The indigenous garden will provide traditional edible and medicinal plants that can be used for learning and education. The bird habitat haven measuring over 150m2 will provide a refuge and food source for small birds and other native species, enhancing the environmental value of the site.
Compost and soil conditioner provided for the vegetable beds and plantings comes from the Garden Organics Service, demonstrating how waste from the garden organics bin goes back into the community gardens.
Mark Ihlein, Singleton Council’s Director Planning and Infrastructure Services said the garden was a fantastic way to connect our community and bring people together from all walks of life, ages and backgrounds to grow food and learn more about the environment.
“Since it was established in September 2014, the garden has become a community hub for a range of activities such as learning and education, playgroups, arts and creative activities, cultural traditions, preparing and sharing food, and social gatherings,” he said.
“It has been sustained by the hard work of dedicated volunteers and thanks to the working bee is now ready for spring.
“The garden is a wonderful microcosm of the natural cycle at work and a great education tool for our community to learn more about our environment.”