Working bees start on community garden

Regular working bees will start on Thursday, June 7, on the Peninsula Environment Group's community garden.

They will be held every second Thursday from 9:30am to 11:30am.

The project plan is to transform two currently vacant plots of land in Moana St into a lush and health-giving food-bowl for Woy Woy.

The gardens were founded by group member Jill Meredith and part-funded by Gosford Council.

Ms Meredith said her vision was to provide the community with theoretical information and hands-on experience on growing and using organic vegetables and fruits in an ecologically sustainable way.

The garden design that was drafted by a local horticulturalist and permaculturist Adam McCall.

Plans for the site include raised garden beds with vegetables, a small fruit grove, sensory and aromatic garden areas, culinary and medicinal herb beds and a bush tucker section

Gosford Council has contributed access to water, supplied some of the garden beds and has granted a four year licence.

In addition, calls are already going out to home growers to save their seeds and to local organic seed suppliers for donations to the project.

"My vision is to see a place where fruit and vegetables are grown, where local residents can come and participate in the growing of the food, and where food and recipe ideas can be demonstrated and shared.

"This will hopefully assist in improving the physical health of those participating, but also mental and emotional health, as friendships are formed and community connections are strengthened."

For more information, or to get involved, contact Jill Meredith on 4344 2704.

Media Release, 24 May 2012

Caroline Cumming, Peninsula Environment Group

Photos: Kerry Scarratt and Jill Meredith