Budding idea now a thriving garden

The garden is also self-sufficient in water. The site has its own water tanks and has struck a deal with the neighbouring Entrance Leagues Club to fill them by harvesting rainwater from its gutters.

In addition, it has built its own frog pond and launched a water monitoring program on behalf of NSW Waterwatch, as well as two beehives and two worm farms.

The garden’s president, Nigel Stretton, said it was great to have finally launched the project.

Nigel was a member of Bateau Bay Men’s Shed in 2010 when his mate and fellow member Kevin Armstrong conceived the idea. Approval was granted in 2012 but Nigel, 51, said it had taken a lot of time to get the site ready.

A core group of six men’s shed members have since constructed a purpose-built building comprising a meeting room, kitchen, toilet with disabled access and an office. They also installed fences, built the plots and did other work to ready the site.

Since the public opening, Nigel said he had seen ample evidence of the project bringing the community together.

“You only have to come through the gate and look. There are 20 people here today – ranging from seniors to young mums with their children.

“To have three generations of people- daughter, mother and grandmother all doing something together, that’s just gold.”

Another goal is to promote the value of sustainable living, through encouraging healthy eating, a healthy mind and healthy lifestyle.

Nigel said other potential projects such as on-site tai chi classes, cooking and healthy eating projects were in the works.

The garden is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am-1pm at 1 Bay Village Rd, behind Tuggerah Lakes Community Centre and Bateau Bay Men’s Shed.

New visitors and members are welcome.

“We’re just creating a nice environment here. It’s a really nice place,” Nigel said.