“I want to grow my own food because I know how much better tomatoes taste.”
The Vege Patch is germinating as a community garden project and now is a great time to become involved. Members of the local charity, Coffs Caring Community Inc., are planning to grow vegetables in the yard behind the Women’s Resource Centre on the corner of Gordon & Valley Streets, Coffs Harbour.
Right now, it is a blank slate just waiting for budding gardeners. I had the pleasure of interviewing Margaret Chapman who is a woman with big ideas who needs your support to bring them to fruition. “I like to utilise things and improve things, and here is a beautiful block of land with the right aspect and no big trees.
It is easily accessible, so keen gardeners living in apartments and others wanting to learn can get out and have fun together while growing their own food.”
Margaret Chapmanat Women's Resource Centre garden
As good a reason as any for a community garden to start – but wait, there is more! The Women’s Resource Centre is the first point of call for women who are in difficult situations and want to know how to make changes in their lives. “Apart from growing vegetables for ourselves we will also be supporting the Women’s Resource Centre and other local organisations” Margaret said. “And the surplus produce may be sold fresh or made into pickles and preserves to raise funds for Coffs Caring Community Inc., or given to the people running the Women’s Refuge.”
Margaret’s vision includes building a BBQ area where people can gather to socialise, and even learn how to cook some of the produce. She hopes to attract people with many different skills and backgrounds, people who want to share their experiences, learn about each other, and make new friends.
“This is only a small area, so we need small groups who want to be actively involved and get their hands dirty! Some people may even like to take responsibility for different sections, working there in their own time, if their other commitments prevent them from joining the main group.
“The Women’s Resource Centre has made the space available, and Permablitz funding has been used to prepare an the overall plan for the area. Bunnings has already given us some basic tools, while others have helped with advice and their professional expertise. The Coffs Harbour Collector’s Club, the Business Women’s Network, and the CEX Sports Touring & Classic Car Club have made generous donations to help pay the establishment costs, and now we just need the volunteers to make it all happen!”
When I asked Margaret what was the hardest thing about the garden she said “I’m already a very busy person… so I need someone to coordinate the project – bring the plans and the people together to establish and manage the project.”
Finally I asked Margaret what her favourite vegetable was to grow and cook. Not surprisingly she said “Roma tomatoes grow so well here and they’re so versatile. I can semi dry them on my balcony and pack them in olive oil and they are fabulous. And that’s the first thing I would want to grow so we can make real tomato sauce for our BBQ’s and pizzas!”
If you would like to contribute to this burgeoning garden contact Margaret on 02 6651 3667. It could be the best phone call you make in 2012!
For information about Coffs Caring Community Inc. visit www.coffscc.org.au or click Coffs Caring Cmty Flyer 2012.
