We went to the Southside Sustainability Centre open day yesterday and had a look at the great set-up they have there. We did a small amount of weeding, planting and watering while we were there too. Next time I’ll know to wear more appropriate shoes (i.e. not really good sneakers!) and bring a wide brimmed hat.
I had a chat with the centre’s Hannah Elvery and Heather Barns who were showing the visitors around, helping people to try out various tasks and answering questions about the various plants etc. They are very happy for people to come in at any time during the open day to learn what the sustainability centre is about and see what plants and vegetables grow there. They run the open days on the first Saturday of each month between 9am-12pm. They are currently working on a sensory garden. They also have established community gardens where regulars volunteer on particular days. There’s chooks, corn, banana trees, eggplant and lots more – it was great!
It’s extremely relaxed and welcoming and I really recommend you go along – even if you drop in for under an hour, it gives you some great knowledge and fresh air. It was good for someone like me who was nervous about pulling out things that were not actually weeds! Hannah said “just ask me if you’re unsure” and I managed not to destroy anything I shouldn’t have. Heather said it’s also a really sociable place with people often popping in for a cuppa. There was a mother and daughter near me who had been involved in the initial planting of the sensory garden and were here again maintaining it. I’ll keep you posted on how that’s going and you can see for yourself on the first Saturday the month.
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