From tennis court to community garden
The Central Coast Garden Growers are all set to turn three disused clay tennis courts at 2 Westshore Road, West Ulverstone into a flourishing community garden. By spring, residents and visitors will have the pleasure of volunteering for work in the Garden, picking produce or simply walking amongst raised garden beds, fruit trees and native Australian plants. The Garden will also be a venue for workshops to inspire and teach both new and experienced gardeners.
The Garden Growers group was formed in response to community consultation by Health Consumers Tasmania’s Health and Wellbeing Networks Project. They found that many Central Coast residents found it hard to access fresh, healthy and affordable food and wanted to learn how to grow their own food and connect with others with a similar interest. A community bus tour to visit other community gardens in the area has already been undertaken to inspire and explore ideas that can be incorporated into the garden plan.
Practical skills
As the cost of fruit and vegetables increases, many people are seeking opportunities to learn how to grow their own food. The Garden will provide an inclusive space for garden-related workshops and informal skill-sharing. Regular workshops will focus on different aspects of growing food, such as mulching, soil preparation, weed and pest control, pruning and even cooking with vegetables.
A place for social connection and support
The Garden will provide a vibrant, friendly space for individuals and groups to meet new people, to have conversations and to share in its care. All are welcome – new residents and guests, people experiencing loneliness or who have hidden talents to share.
The therapeutic benefits of gardens and gardening are well known. Gardening and outdoor spaces support mental and physical health, reduce stress and assist with emotional regulation, improved sleep and fitness.
Access for all
To ensure the Garden is accessible for everyone, Central Coast Garden Growers will engage community members with physical, cognitive, and neurological disabilities and their support providers in the design and review process.
Featured Image – Graeme Malone (Ulverstone Tennis Club), Lisa Kelly (Community Engagement Worker, (HCT) and Mick Hales (Council’s Greening Central Coast working group) already anticipating the transformation of the old courts into a blooming community garden.