It may be just a patch of ground to some people, but the Bonita Community Garden is much more than that to five of the people responsible for looking after it.
For the five, who live in community housing next door, gardening gives an opportunity to engage in the community and take ownership of something. The garden is the brainchild of the next-door Derrimut Community Centre.
“Many of the residents speak little English and are quite isolated. Some have health issues,” centre manager Inderdeep Thapar said.
“We had some community consultation with the residents and the idea came up about a community garden. We got talking to the council and Bunnings in Sunshine and they were happy to support this.”
Work started on the project four months ago.
“We’ve had planting workshops and theoretical knowledge classes so they know how to look after the garden,” Ms Thapar said.
“Six boxes were constructed by Bunnings for the five residents from the community housing and the other one for a youth group.”
She said the five residents had formed new friendships. “They’re building networks between themselves. They have a laugh and share a mutual interest with what they’re growing. Some have started a walking group and they’re becoming more engaged with the community.”
The five participants are growing vegetables which they get to keep. Plans are already under way to expand the garden due to its success.
