Glover Street

Had a fantastic day today roving round to three community gardens - chatting to the gardeners about what they love about their garden. Feeling super inspired to participate more in urban nature. The gardens offer a sanctuary, a place to learn and appreciate natural forces and connect to the earth.

For some it's about hard work - getting in and turning the compost for others it's a connection to an alternative system where social norms are re-imagined and people have a sense they can influence outcomes. These are nourishing thriving spaces - well worth a visit. The gardeners in the three gardens I visited were most welcoming:

- Glover Street in Rozelle

- Angel Street Newtown

- Randwick Organic Community Garden.

All had different organisational structures and philosophies. Have a look at these delightful photos  (posted in order listed above).

Glover Street

Glover Street

Angel Street

Randwick Organic Community Garden

Randwick Organic Community Garden

Ok so InsideOut has now happened. It was an intense experience - setting up a space and wrapping so many seedlings in fabric - I am feeling quite tired. But the day itself was fun and the 30+ people who committed to caring for a seedling were rather delighted and I think there will be a few locals heading to Bunnings tomorrow!

It was lovely to hear people talking about their gardening experiences and sharing knowledge. There were also a few nervous gardeners so I'll continue to update this area as a resource.

So please please please send any tips or information you may have on starting your own edible garden. Any if any of you are involved in a community garden let us know which one and who to contact. We will be posting an interactive map later this week with some photos, address & contact details ... it would be super if people could contribute to this space too.

That said next week there is a free course in the East

Balcony and Kitchen Gardens 'New'

http://www.escc.nsw.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/East.woa/wa/subCategory.sh...

Saturday 10:00am to 12:30pm for 1 Session of 2.00 hrs, starts 22 Aug 2009

InsideOut: Seedling BackUp.

Ok so InsideOut has now happened. It was an intense experience - setting up a space and wrapping so many seedlings in fabric - well I am feeling quite tired. But the day itself was fab and the 30+ people who committed to caring for a seedling were delighted - I think there will be a few locals heading to Bunnings tomorrow!

It was great to hear people talking about their gardening experiences and sharing knowledge. There were also a few nervous gardeners so I'll continue to update this area as a resource.

So please please please send any tips or information you may have on starting your own edible garden. And if any of you are involved in a community garden let us know which one and who to contact. We will be posting an interactive map later this week with some photos, address & contact details ... it would be super if people could contribute to this space too.

That said next week there is a free course in the East

Balcony and Kitchen Gardens 'New'

http://www.escc.nsw.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/East.woa/wa/subCategory.sh...

Saturday 10:00am to 12:30pm for 1 Session of 2.00 hrs, starts 22 Aug 2009

And for anyone interested in Permaculture this Tuesday 18th August 6.30pm at Leichhardt Town Hall with the legendary permaculturist, Geoff Lawton presenting. I think there will be quite a few people coming to this from different community gardens ...

So if you did pick up a seedling - become a LiveLocal member and Start Your Own experiment :-)

NB. The seedlings in fabric need to get into some proper soil within the next 24 hours.

Vegetables need lots of sunlight - at least 5 hours a day & water regularly too (don't let it dry out). If you don't have your own worm farm or compost then ask your neighbours - I'm sure they'll have some to share.

Keep us posted!