Spring Newsletter 2016

The start of Spring with all its promises of growth and renewal seems an appropriate time for an update on MCG. Middle Head and Mackie Lane gardens continue to flourish and delight.

We have been successful, once again, in our application for a Mosman Council Grant. Kerry and I collected then banked the cheque on Wednesday and had the opportunity to spruik MCG to the representatives of the other 26 groups receiving Grants. Over the coming year our main focus will be the refurbishment of the original beds at Mackie Lane, with some to become more sustainable wicking beds; the grant will also be used to buy much needed tools to make these tasks easier. As always, the monetary benefit makes a big difference but it is the enthusiasm and hard work by the members that leads to such thriving gardens.

If you have visited Mackie Lane over the last few weeks you cannot have failed to notice the work being carried out on the once grass-strewn verge at the corner of Lang Street and Mackie Lane. This has been done in conjunction with Tim Watson of Mosman Council and Council’s initiative on Veggies on the Verge, a move to maintain and beautify such spaces. This is to become a herb garden, with a permanent sign, thus making a perfect entry point to Mackie Lane garden. Thanks go to Chris Groom, Carol and Cynthia for the hard work done in removing the grass. Tim has delivered logs to form a border to prevent water and soil runoff and we have native herbs ready to plant and we will add more once established.

MCG now has a very popular Facebook page thanks to Alison. She is keeping us up to date, not only with happenings at the gardens but everything from recipes to seminars and courses.

History tells of the numerous welcomes to Spring and MCG is no different. Following our successful BBQ Picnic last year as part of the Mosman Festival, a similar Spring BBQ is proposed for Sunday 9th October from 3 p.m. Again, bring along family, friends and something to BBQ or eat and enjoy the accompanying salads fresh from both gardens.

In 2009 a group of like-minded people got together to set up a community garden in Mosman. We started with a tiny plot outside an old electricity sub station in Bardwell Road. The beds in the peaceful surrounds of Middle Head were offered in 2010 and, finally, the conversion of a disused garage workshop in Mackie Lane followed this. From humble beginnings we now have the vibrant, productive gardens we enjoy today. Throughout all this these same people have formed the Management Committee and feel, that for the health and continuance of the garden and its members, new faces need to be encouraged to take over the task.

The AGM is on Wednesday 16th November so please ask any of the Committee members what is involved and offer to step in.

Happy gardening,

Lilian