By KATRINA BRANDON

 

COMMUNITY gardens in Latrobe are seeking more involvement.

Last month, Yinnar’s community garden held an open day to help discuss ways of getting more people through the doors.

The Yinnar Community Garden is located around the back of ARC Yinnar.

Walking around the garden, about 15 people enjoyed the serenity, where a variety of food is grown throughout the year and artwork created. During the session, ARC secretary Rosemary Abetz-Rouse shared knowledge about the plants and art found around the garden, while also answering questions about the use of certain plants.

Within the garden, you can find multiple mosaic pieces by local artist, Lisa Anderson. The first piece centres the garden and is inspired by the zodiac signs.

Stepping up onto the rotunda, the next mosaic was inspired by compass directions and is accurately centred to face the coordinates on one step, and elements on the next step.

Combining the two communities within the property, the outdoor sink area features a shared mosaic designed by some in the community and Ms Anderson, who guided the group through a workshop.

Stepping into the warmer establishment, the group followed Ms Abetz-Rouse through ARC Yinnar for lunch and a discussion on how community gardens could improve numbers, while also talking about various topics related to food, including the use of ingredients they were unsure about.

Ideas swarmed the group, with some commenting on social media, suggesting changes to hours to suit others, and advocating for flexibility in the garden.

For more information on the Yinnar Community Garden, go to the Yinnar Community Garden Facebook page.

ALONGSIDE the discussion day, High Street Community Hub Moe is launching a new multicultural community garden.

Hub Coordinator Teagan Brooks told the Express that the new program aims to bring together the community through gardening, food, and cultural exchange.

“As we begin planning, we’ve been visiting local community gardens for inspiration – including an outing this week to Yinnar’s community garden for a guided tour and lunch,” she said.

“This initiative is open to everyone, regardless of skill level or gardening experience, and we’d love to get the word out more widely. I think it’s a great example of community-led inclusion, sustainability, and cultural connection.”

For more information, go to: https://www.lifeskillsvic.com.au/