Getting involved in local gardening
Mole Creek Garden volunteers Jenny and Tom with the pizza oven. Photo by Sasha Lev.
Deloraine Community House operates two community gardens, one in Deloraine and the other in Mole Creek.
Both function as individual gardens and have completely different models, yet they are both very successful in their outcomes.
The Deloraine Garden is well-established and commenced in 2004 - its operation was transferred to Deloraine House in 2011.
The Mole Creek Garden is relatively new, established in 2018.
The gardens are vibrant spaces catering for dedicated volunteers and various user groups, including the schools associated with the sites.
They are places where the local community shares knowledge, skills, and a passion for growing seasonal vegetables.
The Gardens host many community groups who hold dinners and have access to onsite Pizza ovens for creating the most delicious woodfired pizzas.
Many local children and young people have been involved in education and training opportunities.
More recently, workshops have been run for individuals to learn about what to grow and how to cook seasonal produce.
Since the onset of COVID 19 in the Tasmanian community, our gardens have become an even more vital resource.
The gardens mean that volunteers can stock the pantry on the veranda of Deloraine House as a source of fresh produce for our community.
Additionally, the gardens are a welcome green therapeutic space for volunteers and for those struggling with lockdown situations.
They also support other groups in the Meander Valley region and beyond to plan and establish their gardens in their respective communities.
The Mole Creek Garden, next door to the Community Swimming Pool on Pioneer Drive, and a small section of the Deloraine Community Garden are accessible 24/7.
The regular gardening day at Deloraine is on Wednesdays from 10 am – 2 pm, when the volunteers all come together to tend the space collectively and share lunch.
For more information about the gardens, please contact Deloraine House on 6362 2678.
New volunteers are very welcome!
The Mole Creek Community Garden is regularly tended by students from the Mole Creek Primary School.
Deloraine Community Garden is a green oaisis in the spring. Photos supplied.
