On the southern boundary of Oasis Valley is a special place, often overlooked by visitors to the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden, a demonstration organic vegetable garden.
It is a place that never fails to invoke the curiosity of young visitors. Many youngsters are unfamiliar with the natural habitat of their daily veggies. Their eyes light up as they spot beans, eggplants and sweet corn. They laugh with delight when a bit of supervised pulling is rewarded by a wonderful carrot!
Many people enjoy gardening but it is particularly important to children. During gardening children develop a love of nature, an understanding of science and learn the delights of eating fresh food. It is also a physical activity which entices them away from electronic gadgetry, and teaches them cause and effect and problem solving, in a real world context.
The demonstration vegetable garden is a living seasonal guide and source of encouragement for new gardeners. There is a varied selection of vegetables growing in the garden at the moment including eggplant, sweet corn, beans, pak choy and carrots. Cabbage and beetroot seedlings have just been planted.
It is looked after entirely by volunteers – Friends of the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden – who delight in sharing their love of gardening with others.
If you are interested in volunteering the odd half hour to tend and water the garden, and generally help maintain this important and flourishing resource, please contact Dubbo City Council’s Community Participation Facilitator Kath Oke 6801 4000.
By Ian McAlister & Karen Hagan