Community garden begins to take shape

Rebecca Smith from Better Health 4 Dorset at the new Scottsdale Community Garden site which is quickly coming to life.

February 14, 2024

Scottsdale’s long-awaited Community Garden will soon be in full bloom, with work starting this week to prepare the site for an official opening later this month.

Bec Smith from Better Health 4 Dorset said it was wonderful to see the red soil turned over to make way for 12 raised garden beds and an in-ground planting area across the 15x50m site near Northbourne.

“There will be a sensory garden, native garden, flowers, herbs and vegetables as well as a row of fruit trees along one of the fences and a shade sail for mums and bubs to sit under,” Ms Smith said.

“Each bed will have its own tap and there will be a sprinkler system for the in-ground planting area and we will have a green house and shed coming in the future as well as a workshop space to run community workshops.

“We will be getting the school and child care centre involved and will probably sell some of the produce to make money to ensure its sustainability.”

Fencing of the site and paving between the garden beds will take place this weekend, with volunteers invited to help.

The site, which will be monitored by security cameras, will be accessible to everyone, including those on walking frames and in wheelchairs.

Initial plantings will go in next week with donations of seedlings or established plants welcome.

“We are so thankful to those who have already contributed to the site, which is a project we are doing in partnership with Northbourne Park,” Ms Smith said.

Anyone wishing to utilise the space can contact Ms Smith, with a simple health and safety induction required and there is a preference that those on site to have a Working With Vulnerable People card.

The garden will be officially opened on Thursday, February 22 from 12.30 with a free community BBQ.