There is a wonderful atmosphere in the garden, replete with chooks, ducks and a goldfish pond, and soon to have its own beehive. The garden is eclectically decorated, all with recycled artefacts from the area, and is just a peaceful, joyful place to be in.
Along with Head Gardener Keith Ferguson, there are currently 15 local people gardening there, each responsible for their own plot. Assistant Head Gardener Dale Williamson has been involved for more than five years.
The garden has its own irrigation system installed and provides the watering system for all the plots.
Keith has forged an excellent relationship with the City of Sydney Council which delivers soil every six months and up to 1,000 potted plants after each of the City’s annual “living colour” plant displays.
It is very rare to find a community garden in the city, but this garden continues in the tradition of the original orchard area for Sydney’s settlement, the name of nearby Strawberry Hills stemming from that time.
The area was originally gardened by the Luncheon Club (HIV/AIDS support group) in the ’90s, and about 10 years ago transformed into the marvellous community garden it is today.
The garden also hosts a range of support services for people in the area including offering shelter and food for 12 homeless men on Wednesday and Thursday nights (the Garden Shelter is a joint project of South Sydney Uniting Church and Cana Communities).
Access to the garden is available sunrise to sunset, and Keith is available most days for help and advice.
With new raised gardens recently installed, there is room for more gardeners.
