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Gardening, and especially vegetable growing, is undergoing a resurgence, which comes as no surprise to Community Voice for Hume president, Bob Philipson.
He told The Post he'd undergone an "epiphany" during the drought and had been dabbling in it himself. Now, he and his apolitical group, which is aimed at social sustainability, is nurturing the trend with a new community initiative.
'Grow Goulburn Mulwaree Gardens' aims to educate people and groups about sustainable gardening and regenerative farming. It will also promote good soil management, reduced water use, greater water capture and storage and wildlife attraction through training and workshops.
Mr Philipson said the increasing frequency of drought, bushfires and coronavirus had pushed people into the garden.
"There is a huge movement towards growing vegetables, for example, and I think people are looking for coaching and mentoring. We want to support them in their objectives," he said.
The program has a 20-member project team and brings together groups like Growing Abilities, which has a community garden at Bradfordville, Upper Lachlan Landcare, Local Land Services, the Institute of Sustainable Futures, individuals and other organisations.
It will include information about plant and garden supplies, services, suitable vegetables, publications, preparing your patch for drought and heat, facilitate volunteers to help in aged care community gardens and donation of vegetables to disadvantaged groups.
"It's about bringing together the community," Mr Phillipson said.
It was launched on May 18 in Goulburn.
A team of experts is defining what a sustainable garden is and can then provide an assessment and plan for groups and individuals. Mr Phillipson said some participants could decide to sell their produce but the program was also promoting donations to people doing it tough.
It's about bringing together the community.
- Bob Philipson
He also hopes to include Gardening Australia host, Costa Georgiadis. In addition, regenerative farming expert and Goulburn Garden Club president John Weatherstone, will be involved.
"It is for people to implement and the objective is to involve as many projects as possible," Mr Philipson said.
The community garden off Goldsmith Street has already jumped on board.
The initiative will be rolled out in stages, starting with Growing Abilities and a push to grow a sustainable garden at a group house for people with disabilities.
"Once the idea that getting outside and enjoying yourself in the garden takes hold, I think it will spark more interest in nature and the environment," Mr Philipson said.
For more information, people can contact him on 0418 13 8004.
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