Further enhancing community ownership of Littleton Gardens, herbs and vegetables are being planted in the public space for all to enjoy.
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The Bega Valley’s history and flair for fresh produce will be recognised in Littleton Gardens with the council and SCPA – South East Producers working together on two demonstration kitchen garden beds.
The initiative will be known as “Eat the Park!” and will invite locals to pick seasonal herbs and veggies as they enjoy this evolving green heart of Bega.
On Thursday, the first seedlings were planted for spring and summer harvesting.
“Edible plants and flowers will be going into the two garden beds that already feature mature claret ash trees,” BVSC recreation assets officer John Turville said.
“These garden beds will show the community that edible plants can not only feed you they can look pretty amazing too.
“When available, we’ll be using seedlings purchased from stall holders at the Bega Farmers Market, things like mixed greens, globe artichokes, kale and flowering herbs,” Mr Turville said.
Geoffrey Grigg, who runs a weekly stall at SCPA ‘s Bega Farmers Market has recruited long time Bega gardener Marshall Campbell to be a part of the project, building on his many years of volunteering in Littleton Gardens.
“By adding food plants to this civic space we are setting an example that people can follow at home,” Mr Grigg said.
“Now that SCPA’s Bega Farmers Market is every Friday, the local food economy has some real momentum behind it and hopefully these demonstration gardens will encourage more people to get involved.”
Mr Grigg said this “urban farming” enhances SCPA’s idea that “every home is a farm”.
“By making the gardens about food plants, herbs and colourful bee-attracting flowers, these tiny gardens in the heart of Bega are introducing a weekly food focus to Bega from the ground up.
“I think locals will make it their own and enjoy the herbs, veggies and flowers on display over the seasons ahead.
“This is a little bit of happiness created by locals for locals.”
The market runs every Friday in Littleton Gardens between 8am and 1pm, with SCPA members involved in tending to the two new kitchen garden beds each week.
