Slow Food Hunter Valley has worked to reinstate a small, edible garden in an over 55’s public housing complex in Rutherford. The garden provides a range of seasonal herbs, fruit and vegetables for the residents to enjoy.
This project was initiated around 2018 by by the Social Cohesion Officer, Hume Housing. Slow Food Hunter Valley were approached to care for an abandoned vegetable garden after a well-loved resident of the complex passed away.
The garden is in an internal courtyard area and features a number of fruit trees including citrus, mangoes and a persimmon. There is a solid pergola, some other benches and a range of garden beds and paths.
In 2019 Slow Food Hunter Valley was gifted four wicking beds which we moved into the area. These are now the productive vegetable and herb beds. We have added to the range of citrus trees growing in area and future plans include renovating another ornamental bed.
The garden has twice taken out prizes in the Hume in Bloom gardening competition and offers a peaceful, cool and green space in the complex.
Our wonderful Slow Food Hunter Valley volunteers meet there on the first Tuesday of the month from 9am for a working bee, a cuppa and a chat. New volunteers and residents are always welcome to join us.