The Victoria Park Community Garden, crnr Albany Highway and Reid Street
After a few years of planning, and a lot of hard work, the Victoria Park Community Garden is set to celebrate its first birthday in July.
A haven for urban green thumbs, the garden was created to enrich the lives of the local community. It’s become a meeting a place for young and old and a classroom for learning about sustainable, chemical free gardening techniques.
The garden takes up about 1000 square metres of Read Park and features 32 allotments. Most of the allotments are rented by individuals and families but a number of community groups are becoming involved. Brightwater’s Oats Street Rehabilitation Centre, Perth Montessori School, Riverside Community School and the local Girl Guides have spaces within the garden.
Allotment holders are growing everything from bok choy to artichokes, cauliflower, peas, beans, beetroot and rhubarb. There is an assortment of fruit and nut trees flourishing including persimmon, pomegranate, quince, blood oranges, apples, pears and almonds. The produce harvested from the trees is shared with anyone that joins in.
The project got off the ground thanks to support by the Town of Victoria Park and donations from local businesses. Once the local community got wind of the plan it took less than a year to reach 80 financial members. Organisers are hoping many more join in the coming months.
Chairperson Luke Garswood and the team have some exciting plans for the future highlighting the multicultural diversity of the area. “Our next project is to set up a demonstration garden in the front of Read Park to grow a range of food plants from around the world.”
If you’d like to get involved, memberships cost $10 per annum with allotments ranging from $50 – $100 per annum depending on size. You can find out more information at the Victoria Park Community Garden website.
