DUBBO Community Garden has produced an abundance of pumpkin and parsley, beans and basil but it is another kind of bountiful harvest that has organisers giving thanks.
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In just nine months the Palmer Street plot has become a real centre of social support.
Garden co-ordinator Melissa Clow has seen the committee’s dreams for the initiative, made possible with the support of Emmanuel Care and the Orana Baptist Church, turn into reality.
“We have some regulars - one guy comes from Wellington while his wife is at bridge,” Mrs Clow said.
“Another man whose wife is in care says the garden gives him something to look forward to each week.”
Buoyed by these comments, the committee has further plans to provide a small bag of vegetables to families who go to Dubbo Community Kitchen.
Its attempt to increase production received a boost this week when a team from Bunnings Warehouse arrived to do a makeover, rain and all.
The Bunnings crew donated two more garden beds complete with soil, mulch and veggies - the “whole lot”, an outdoor kitchen with barbecue and sink, children’s play equipment and a table and seating.
They also remade the entry to the building, jazzing it up with potted plants.
Bunnings had contacted Emmanuel Care with the offer that Mrs Clow counted as “a real blessing”.
“It’s been truly amazing, we’re so grateful,” she said.
Mrs Clow encouraged people to come along to the garden, which is open every Wednesday from 9am to midday and on the third Saturday of the month.
“You don’t even have to get your hands dirty, you can just enjoy the friendships,” she said.