Robina locals are digging the fruits of their labour

Growing a community spirit at Robina’s Community Garden

Green thumbs Lisa and Chris Denton are among many local families reaping the rewards of their very own veggie patch at the Robina Community Garden at Botanique Terrace Homes.

Since the Robina couple took over their patch halfway through last year, they have enjoyed many fruits of their labour – with tomatoes, eggplant, beans, chillies, bok choy and a variety of herbs all ending up on their dinner table.

“We’ve had an amazing harvest so far,” said Lisa. “It’s been so great to top up what we buy at the market by just walking down to our plot and picking what we need each day.

“It’s a great feeling being self-sufficient, growing what we eat and seeing the food we grow go from plot to plate.

“Everything has been so fresh – you really notice the difference compared to what you buy at the supermarkets.

“We’re already thinking about what we’ll be planting going into winter.”

Lisa said there were many benefits that came with having their own veggie patch.

She said interested locals were asking her on a regular basis how to join the community garden scheme.

“We don’t really have any room for a veggie patch at our home, so taking up a plot in the Robina Community Garden made a lot of sense to us,” said Lisa, a Robina resident of almost 25 years.

“There’s a really great sense of community too – we’ve got to meet a lot of like-minded neighbours. We’ll look after their plot if they go away on holidays, and vice versa.

“We take our dog down for a daily walk to water our plants, tidy up our plot and put a few more seedlings in the ground – it’s just a really nice, regular outing.

“It’s been so nice getting our hands dirty, and enjoying the fresh air and the wonderful great outdoors in Robina.”

The Robina Community Garden is a joint initiative between master developer Robina Group, Division 11 Councillor Hermann Vorster and City of Gold Coast.

Cr Vorster said he was pleased to see the Robina Community Garden had already become a success – particularly given it was only launched a short while ago.

“It’s been so great to see the community garden bring people of all ages and gardening abilities together to enjoy getting back in touch with nature, as well as the many health and sustainability benefits that come with having your own veggie patch,” he said.

“The local community has really embraced the gardens – so much so, all the plots are currently taken up – but we encourage people who are interested to apply for their own veggie patch in case one becomes available.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing these veggie patches flourish and put food on the table for Robina families for many years to come.”

Click here for more information, or to get involved in the Community Garden

insideR’s guide to a healthy veggie patch in Winter

Despite popular opinion, winter can be a fantastic time to plant fruit, vegetables and herbs! This is because it’s not too hot…and it means you can also make an early start on your spring harvest!

Here are our Top 10 veggies and herbs you can plant in your garden in winter.

Tip: Just be sure to feed the plants, by putting a little compost and worm castings in the hole before placing them in the ground!