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(By Daniella De Azevedo and Melinda Jennings - Bond University Journalism Students)
In the past eight months, members of the Varsity Lakes community garden have reaped the rewards of their hard work in their plots and their first season of crops.
The community garden, known as Varsity Vegies, offers members a three by three metre garden to grow vegetables and the chance to meet other members of the community.
Varsity Vegies Chairman Sheila Perkins said since the garden was established they experienced an overwhelming response from Gold Coast residents.
“It’s always been a success, when we opened we had about 40 on our waiting list,” she said.
“Our opening day was fantastic we had over 300 people come through.”
The garden has 45 gardens maintained by active members and over 20 social members who participated in workshops and community activities, she said.
Mrs Perkins said the community garden was a great opportunity for individuals to do what they loved with like-minded people.
“It’s a place where people can garden who have a passion for putting their hands in the dirt so to speak but it’s also a social outlet for a lot of people,” she said.
Varsity Vegies founder and local resident June King said the group aimed to create a sense of community and offer a creative outlet for gardeners.
“We were keen to get people socially involved, getting to know their neighbours,” she said.
Mrs King said when her and her husband moved to the area eight years ago they didn’t know many locals and thought starting the garden would be a great way for people to get to know each other.
“It really makes you feel a part of Varsity Lakes,” she said.
Varsity Vegies will hold a how to grow plants on a balcony workshop on 27 February at 2pm.
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