Turn at the lights at 168 Hawkesbury Road Springwood, then go 600 metres past St Thomas Aquinas just before St Columba's gates OUR STORY
The idea of a community garden in Springwood, was born out of the ashes of the October 2013 bushfires. Winmalee resident, Margaret Sibbald, lost her house and garden in the fire and thought it would be a wonderful way to help people heal from the trauma. CatholicCare Springwood recognised how a community garden would be healing for the broader community. The garden began as one of their bushfire recovery projects, one run for and by the community. They garnered funding, discussed it with Council and sought permission from St Thomas Aquinas Church and Heritage NSW to use the land as a community garden. The garden is situated between St Thomas Aquinas school and St Columba’s College, adjacent to the historic property, “Elmhurst”, which was lost to the fires. An onsite meeting on October 24 2015 considered how to develop a community garden. One key thought was to grow everything organically, using permaculture principles where possible. We weren’t sure what that involved, but were keen to learn. It continues today as a great community initiative employing these ideas. Step one: Preparation
A first issue was the removal of about a dozen huge pine trees, damaged during the fires. Fortunately, Valley Heights RFS assisted, and the logs all fell onto the garden area. Some of these are still in use today. Our first vegetable beds were created in September 2016 using the no-dig method. A founding member, Emmanuella Prigioni, showed how to lay thick cardboard over the mown grass, followed by layers of lucerne hay, cow manure, straw and a sprinkle of blood and bone. Small pockets were then created, filled with compost, and seedlings were planted into these. Success ensued with a fantastic first harvest.
*In February 2017, Costa Georgiadis, from ABC’s Gardening Australia formally opened the garden. Our next priorities – shelter & security
These priorities included building a tool shed, and providing shade for our members. Winmalee Lions Club provided the funds for these projects. The adjustable arbour was built for shade protection, strong winds and flexibility (foldability). Passionfruit and other vines give even more protection. A second shed was added in 2019 via a grant from the Bendigo Bank, assembled by our multi-talented members. Battling the pests, composting & workshops
Protection from pests has been partially solved by the er****on of two garden enclosures, through grants from the Federal Government’s Community Building Partnership Program and Scenic World, Katoomba. Using bath tubs rescued from the adjacent paddock, worm farms were created, and early on, we held a “Worm Farm Workshop” which was open to the public. Other workshops include teaching “Hot Composting” and “Building Water Wicking Beds”. These workshops are a good way to foster new members, while encouraging participants to grow their own healthy food. The Community Garden has become a BMCC “Compost Champion”. The idea is that people from the community can bring their kitchen waste (no meat or dairy) to our compost bins, thereby reducing the amount of waste going to land fill. We then turn it into a wonderful compost for use in the garden. Food Forest, Swales & Bush Tucker
From the beginning, a permaculture food forest has been developed. It includes a bush tucker area and a “Yarning” Circle. Initially, the food forest entailed a huge amount of work. However, it now provides a low maintenance garden with an abundance of fruit, nuts, berries, herbs and bush tucker. Firstly, contours were marked with trenches dug along these, mounding the soil on their lower side to form swales. The trenches were filled with wood chip - to absorb water and reduce runoff. Swales and trenches help to slow, spread, and sink water. The soil now holds water better and has a high diversity of soil microbes and nutrients, making the area more drought tolerant and reducing our reliance on town water. We extended the arbour to provide shade for our sandpit and to give a larger frame for growing kiwi fruit. This project was funded by a grant from the Edible Garden Trail. This support and connection with the Edible Garden Trail is ongoing, as we are a part of the Blue Mountains Edible Garden Trail when it occurs. Costa revisit – February 2021
About 450 people visited the garden in February 2021, with Costa being the main attraction. He shared the idea about connecting community, and giving strength to people through a garden. It was heart-warming, as the ever-energetic Costa said, "You can feel the pulse around you!" Emmanuella Prigioni then echoed these ideas; they were both clearly impressed by the development of the garden over a relatively short time. Fruit
Over sixty trees have been planted including apples, pears, plums, figs, quince, feijoas, macadamia and pomegranates. Our mulberry is the first to produce giving loads of fruit in November followed by blueberries. Strawberries are in abundance and are used as ground cover in the food forest. Citrus grow really ewell here and we have numerous varieties including some that are lesser known such as limequat and pomelo. A hedge of lillypilly and cherry guava has been planted along the west boundary. Experiencing the garden
Springwood Community Garden encourages other community groups to visit the garden. Residents from local aged care facilities make regular visits and we have a small number of raised beds to encourage those with disabilities or limited mobility to participate. Our experienced gardeners share their knowledge with beginners - and each other. At our regular working bees (Saturday and Wednesday mornings from 9.30am), we harvest whatever is available to share with members on the day, with any excess produce taken to the Springwood Catholic Care drop in centre. St Thomas Aquinas students have had access to a garden bed and more experienced members are happy to show the children the basics of gardening and how to grow their own food. During COVID restrictions, it also became a place for people to visit for fresh air, exercise and quiet contemplation. With a sandpit and large logs to climb on, the garden is also a safe and interesting place for children to visit. Come and join us -new members welcome. Contact: Email - [email protected]
Facebook - ‘Springwood Community Garden’.
