KidsFest 2013

On the weekend I had the pleasure of being a part of the KidsFest finale at Killalea State Park. Although there was nothing specific planned at the garden it didn't stop Barrack Heights Community Garden from having a presence at the festival as I took along some bamboo and bana grass to construct a teepee for the kids to enjoy.

Well, if you look closely, I did have some assistance from such Nobel persons.

Oh, and by the way, check out the most divine view.

I also decided that a butterfly palace should be installed and I loved how so many little children (and adults) enjoyed the space

As it doesn't take four hours to construct a bana grass teepee, I took along some glue and cardboard for children to make collages from found materials. 

I was impressed with their work

When the afternoon session was finished I was asked to reconstruct the teepee at the camp-site and was glad that I had some willing helpers to do the job.

Unfortunately I didn't stay long for the later events but the atmosphere was great and I'm sure that those who stuck around were happy campers.

Here's to an awesome 2013 KidsFest

Community Gardens Inspire More Then Just Gardening

I've been attending the community garden for more then a year now and I really haven't done a lot of gardening, yet by going there I have been inspired to pursue creativity in many different ways.

I remember the first time that I decided to take my painting gear to the garden it felt great and was like breaking a creative drought that had lasted about three years. My Mum had passed away and I hadn't got back into painting until that day at the garden.

It felt great and since then I have been inspired to paint, participate in nature art and experiment in ways that I never have previously.

paintings on cardboard which the worms can eat later

The previous paintings were used as preliminary sketchers for further paintings.

Now this artistic spree has been going on for over six months and it's been a wondrous journey. I want to continue by saying that the garden has even influenced the way I have expressed myself in my home. I tell everyone that I have created a tree house in my lounge room. 

Welcome to the tree house.

Community gardens are here for the community and everyone has something that they can contribute. I am so glad that I decided to come along as it's been my little hidden paradise in Barrack Heights. I hope that it can be yours too.

Happy 1st Birthday Albion Park Community Garden

Today it was my privilege to attend the first birthday of the Community Garden at Albion Park. Now those folk know how to put on a feast!!!!!! I mistakenly failed to take a picture of the awesome spread that was provided for gardeners and visitors. You just have to believe me that so many delicious meals came out of their lovely little garden. I did however get this shot!

It's so wonderful to see volunteers who enthusiastically attend weekly and have a great rapport with each other, as a result there is a fantastic garden that the community has assess to.

A big mention to Ross, Ainslie and Chris for their vision and leadership in getting the garden to happen.

Well, thanks for the party guys, you fed me well today xxx

Making Community Connections

Yesterday I had the privilege of joining the Barrack Heights Pre school from around the corner to engage in some creative nature play. We made a tee pee, but unfortunately I used dried banner grass storks as the foundation, where bamboo is the much superior choice.

I think it's a wonderful thing that connections can be made with the surrounding community which adds value to all who are involved. We have had our little friends a few times visit the garden and it's always a delight when they are there.

It was enjoyable to watch how the children's imaginations and Ingenuity comes out when you start to built a tee pee. I loved how one little girl went a got a marker and began drawing on the poles. I liked how another girl made a swing and wanted to swing (of course it wouldn't have worked but hey, she was thinking outside the square!!). I also like how when the tee pee was completed one little boy he sat in it and just played peacefully with the dirt.

Witnessing children play with nature is so interesting as they respond to what is there and it inspires me greatly. My hope is that more children can come to the garden and interact with nature and be caught up in the adventure of play. Today there are a lot of threats to play and as adults we can not let this happen to our kids. Children and adults learn better through play and wouldn't it be a wonderful place if the act of play was put on high section of the priority list.

Play is the highest form of research - Albert Einstein

Bush Tucker Launch

On Wednesday the 23rd of January we had a wonderful day as the launch of the Bush Tucker Garden was officially opened. So many people from the community came to celebrate with us and we are very thankful for all who came.

Terry, Cliff, Lindy and Anthony

There was music, colour and so much that contributed to the atmosphere.

Anthony AKA Spud doing welcome to country

The Elders who came and enjoyed the day

It was also wonderful through modern technology to have Angela as a part of the day

We also had a visit from out little friends from around the corner

The animals from Symbio was also a big hit with kids and adults.

For me, it was a great day that made me feel proud to be a part of the garden and my hope is that the garden will became an outdoor classroom for all. Here are some words from other garden members about the day.

It was really fantastic and the people who I talked to really enjoyed it and were really pleased to see good use of this open space.- Martie

Symbio was good and so was the  sport and rec girls. I was surprised so many people turned up. -  Cliff Lovelace.

I was so pleased to see the smiles on the faces of the elders; the best justification for the idea of the project. I hope they will become involved in the future - Cliff Ball

The bush tucker launch was a very emotional experience for me. It highlighted the potential for the bush tucker garden space to be a place of gathering and reconciliation. So much positive energy flowed throughout the day that it surely must be the beginning of a new and fruitful journey for the local community - Angela Dever

As a volunteer community gardener and supervisor of Access Community Group Work and Development Orders program I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful journey at Barrack Heights Community Garden. 
It allows me to explore and learn everyday with and from other gardeners and community members within the "Fair Share" ethos of permaculture. 
It is pleasing to obtain the valuable assistance of volunteers and also assist them to reduce State Debt Recovery Office debt and witness them being able to open new doors in their lives - Darren Bell

The garden was built around friendship, enthusiasm as well as sharing knowledge. A massive team effort by everyone involved.
T-ogether
E-veryone
A-chieves
M-ore 
 Terry Rankmore

Ilawarra Mercury

Advertiser

We will miss you Angela

Yesterday for our working bee we had a fair- well for Angela Dever who has been a great influence and contributor to the garden and surrounding community.  For the past year Angela has had the role of Community Project Officer in which she has effectively made connections with the community through fun days and being a support to all who attend. There is so much more that she had accomplished and as a community garden member I/we would love to appreciate Angela's contribution for the past year.

Stuffed Zucchini

One of the nicest pleasures of being involved with the community garden is the introduction of new recipes to my repertoire. 

For example, I have never before had access to humongous sized zucchini's before!! So when we picked them I'm like "what do you do with these babies???" I was then informed that one could stuff and bake them so I gave it a go.

For this particular recipe I made it up.

Ingredients

• A very big zucchini
• onion
• Tin of tuna
• rice
• tin or fresh tomatoes
• egg
• herbs
• veggie stock
• cheese

The how too

• boil rice
• fry onion
• mix tuna, rice, tomatoes, egg, onions into a bowl
• scrape seeds out of zucchini and make a nice little canoe
• pop mixed ingredients into the zucchini
• top with grated cheese
• pop onto a preheated oven 180deg
• Depending on how you like it, give it 50min or if your like me bake it until the zucchini is soft

There you go, I hope this is clear enough!!