COMMUNITY GARDEN

The idea for the Belair UC Garden began 2017, when helped with a Synod grant for the wellbeing of older people. Space behind the church provided the area for this project. It was hoped to attract local residents, including those from Barryne Retirement village, opposite the church.

Chris Matters swapped his role as Chair of the church council to oversee the church garden project and Sue Jackson agreed to help. The first planning meeting happened in December 2017. It was decided to use the more sustainable option of wicking beds.

A successful workshop on composting helped to generate local interest, with the hope of some individual rentals. A “gardening morning” was established.

Thanks to a grant from Mitcham council a large water tank was installed and connected to run off from the church roof. Making wooden labels for vegetables became an activity at the next church camp

The garden took on new life when our Minister, Judi Hartwig, was approached by the local childcare centre. They organized to have weekly visits of small groups of 4 year olds. The children enjoyed a variety of activities and lots of small watering cans. A popular activity was adding to the worm farm with left over fruit from morning tea.

An open day was well supported by parents of these children and the congregation offered afternoon tea and plants to give away.