​We're incredibly excited to share some special recipes created by one of our frequent and talented young visitors, Charlee (11y/o), and her mother, Kellee! Charlee and Kellee are great friends of Mandurah Community Gardens (MCG), and we were thrilled when they offered to share some of Charlee's original creations, especially those using bush tucker and other unique plants growing in our garden.

​Charlee is already a recognised expert—she's even been featured at the Mandurah Crab Festival! Her passion for fresh, local ingredients, and her unique culinary pairings are truly inspiring.

We send a huge thank you to Charlee and her mum Kellee for sharing these wonderful recipes with the MCG community! Their dedication to using fresh, seasonal, and unique ingredients is an inspiration to all of us.

Give these recipes a try using fresh ingredients from your own garden or from a visit to MCG!

This simple and fresh salad is elevated by the inclusion of beautiful borage flowers— a great way to add a pop of colour and a cucumber-like flavour!

Ingredients:

• Parsley
• Tomatoes
• Borage flowers
• Chives

Method:

1. Finely chop the parsley, tomatoes, and chives.
2. Place the chopped ingredients into a bowl with the borage flowers.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy this garden-fresh delight!

A fiery and fragrant seasoning blend that’s perfect for adding a kick to your favourite meals.

Ingredients:

• Fresh sage
• Fresh chillies
• Salt flakes

Method:

1. Dehydrate the chillies and sage in a dehydrator until completely dry.
2. Place all ingredients into a blender.
3. Blend for just 3-5 pulses—you want a coarse mix, not a fine powder!
4. Enjoy: Sprinkle on pizzas, stir into soups, or use on eggs and grilled vegetables.

This is a fantastic recipe for using up edible leaves that often go overlooked! Both choko leaves (cut in half) and nasturtium leaves (cut in half) are great sources of vitamins and have a subtle peppery flavour.

Ingredients:

• Fresh choko leaves (cut in half)
• Fresh nasturtium leaves (cut in half)
• Salt
• Pepper

Method:

1. Using a dehydrator, dehydrate the leaves for approximately 5 hours or until they are completely dry and crispy.
2. Place all ingredients (dried leaves, salt, and pepper) into a blender.
3. Blitz until the mix turns powdery.
4. Pour the seasoning into a bowl or jar for storage.
5. Use it: Stir into pasta sauces, sprinkle over mash potato, or use it as a special seasoning in an egg salad!

Mandurah Community Gardens was buzzing with energy thanks to an incredible volunteer effort by the Electrical Maintenance White End Shift A and C teams from Alcoa. Not only did the team arrive ready to tackle an ambitious list of maintenance tasks, but their expertise and immense generosity helped us overcome a critical operational challenge.

​Upon arrival, the Alcoa team, led by Henry Naude, noticed our volunteers were struggling, having to use buckets to water plants and flush toilets. A quick investigation revealed that the main water booster pump, crucial for the property’s water supply, had failed.

In an astonishing display of community commitment, the team immediately took action. They received approval from their site, sourced a new pump locally, and professionally installed it, fully restoring our water supply. But their generosity didn't end there—the Alcoa team later settled the ~$800 invoice for the pump. This immediate support eased a massive financial and operational burden for the garden team.

The team's impressive list of completed tasks included:

• Cleaning gutters on all buildings (removing accumulated debris).
• Clearing overgrown areas and creating a vital safe firebreak.
• Repairing wooden gates and fences.
• Constructing the unique Alcoa Arch.
• Mulching around gardens and buildings for improved water retention.
• Repairing damaged signage.

The garden's team, including Cheryl, expressed their sincere appreciation for the teamwork and community spirit shown by every volunteer.

Participating Team Members: Wayde Mainard, Henry Naude, Michael Williams, Dylan Sexton, Tia Bathgate, Phil Richardson, Darren Sivyer, and Korbin Mainard.

​We invite everyone to call in on a Saturday morning to see the incredible work for yourself, especially the magnificent Alcoa Arch!

MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Local Legend, Cheryl Ivey! 

We are absolutely bursting with pride to share that Cheryl has been recognised by the City of Mandurah with the prestigious Local Legend Award! This award celebrates individuals and groups who make a real difference in the city through actions like volunteering, mentoring, caring for others, or bringing people together. That description is Cheryl to a tee!

At the recent Council meeting, Mayor Amber Kearns personally presented the award, highlighting Cheryl’s incredible, connecting contributions at both the Mandurah Community Gardens and the Lakelands Community Garden. 

Mayor Kearns beautifully described Cheryl as a quiet achiever—always working tirelessly to create a stronger, more connected, and inclusive community through countless acts of kindness and support. Her dedication truly is an inspiration.

Whenever there is an event to organise, or networking with other groups and organisations, or promoting Mandurah Community Gardens by manning stalls at shopping centres or events — Cheryl has done it.

Even most of the photos that are provided for promotions, Facebook posts and for this website, along with their back stories, are from Cheryl. She encourages members to get involved and to feel welcome. In fact, Cheryl is a such a big supporter of so many social and environmental movements that it is difficult to list them all, but you can be sure that wherever the heart is, there you will find Cheryl!

Well done, Cheryl, on this well-deserved honour! We are so lucky to have you. 

In the gallery below are just a few photos of the many times Cheryl is helping out.

There was a great response to the Facebook post...

Last Sunday on the 5th October, we had the pleasure of co-hosting a wonderful event, "Nature's Remedy: Boost Your Mental Health," in collaboration with the Mandurah Environment & Heritage Group. It was an incredible day dedicated to celebrating the powerful connection between nature and well-being.

​Our Coodanup Community Gardens were buzzing with activity as we welcomed families for guided tours and hands-on workshops. It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces as participants got their hands dirty, planting seedlings and learning about the benefits of gardening for both the earth and our minds.

​We've received some truly heart-warming feedback from attendees who shared how much they enjoyed their time in the gardens. It's a wonderful reminder of how our green space serves as a peaceful retreat for the community.

​A special thank you to the Mandurah Environment & Heritage Group for inviting us to be a part of this important event, and to all of our dedicated volunteers whose hard work and passion made the day a resounding success.

​In the 21 and over category, the top prize went to Ebony! Her entry was a testament to creativity and storytelling. The macrame hanger she created featured beads spelling out "community pizza garden," and she included charming figurines—one climbing a ladder to harvest cherry tomatoes and another tending to a small pond that filled to water plantings of oregano, thyme, nasturtium, and capsicum. It was a complete miniature world, and we were absolutely captivated!

Mandurah Community Gardens has been picked for this year's Community Raffle project which is run by our local Halls Head Community Bank who have continued to be great supporters of the gardens over the years.
​
This fantastic opportunity allows MCG to raise money  through the sales of raffle tickets with wonderful prizes provided by Bendigo Bank.

Tickets are only $5 each and available to purchase from Mandurah Community Gardens during open hours or by asking any Mandurah Community Gardens member who is participating in selling tickets.

Read the Terms & Conditions here

​Volunteering is great way to get involved in the running of the community garden, and to be involved in making decisions that affect how the garden grows.

Taking on a role at the garden provides you with the opportunity to use and share the skills you have gained from your life experience and to build up your knowledge while learning new skills. Being involved in the club provides everyone with an opportunity to make friends, and provide an active purpose in your life by contributing to, and doing something that really benefits the local community.

Ideally, we would welcome the positions being taken up by current members. We are also open to considering anyone who lives locally and is not currently a member of MCG. All positions will have training provided for their roles, with support from the committee members. For current members, or those who would like to become a member; if you are willing to put in some time each week to help run the garden, you can qualify for free yearly membership to Mandurah Community Gardens.

For more information, please Email Jenny at [email protected] or Cheryl at [email protected].

VOLUNTEER ROLES AVAILABLE

GARDEN COORDINATOR'S TEAM
Volunteer to become a member of our Garden Coordinator's Team to help manage the garden.
​
​EVENT COORDINATOR'S TEAM
Get involved to help our Events Team to plan, prepare and help set up for workshops and other events at the garden.

Garden Coordinator's Job Description below:

by Paul Hammond

​Ever wondered about the name of that plant that is growing in the community garden? Or wanted to know if that interesting-looking herb is edible?  Maybe you are wondering if something is a weed?Identifying plants can be a fun and rewarding experience, and thankfully, it's easier than ever with the help of technology! Here's a quick guide to get you started:

Field Guides
There are many publishings available, and some are focused on particular regions in Australia. Some are available in print and others are accessible online.

Tips for Choosing a Field Guide:

• Focus: Consider your specific interests (native plants, edibles, flowers, fruit or vegetables, pests and weeds).
• Region: Some guides may focus on specific regions within your area (e.g., rural areas, coastal regions, etc.)
• Illustrations: Choose a guide with clear illustrations or photographs.
• User-friendliness: Look for a guide that's easy to navigate and understand.

​Some Guides To Get You Started:

Vegetable growing: a guide for home gardeners in Western Australia
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia.
Bulletin 4629 https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/bulletins/5/​

How to Do It in the Garden by Sabrina Hahn
Available from Fremantle Press: https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/how-to-do-it-in-the-garden/

Edible School Garden Planting and Maintenance Guide
from the Waste Authority of WA, Wastewise Schools Program
https://www.wasteauthority.wa.gov.au/images/resources/wss/Files/2019/10/Edible_Garden_Planting_and_Maintenance_Guide.pdf

​Turning Your Phone into a Plant Detective: The Magic of Image Recognition

How is this possible?  It's all thanks to the incredible technology of image recognition.

Here's a simplified breakdown:

• Capture: You take a photo of the plant using your phone's camera.   
• Analyze: The app uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze the image, identifying key features like the shape of the leaves, the color of the flowers, and even the texture of the stem.
• Compare: The app compares these features to a vast database of plant images and information.   
• Identify: Based on the comparison, the app identifies the plant with a high degree of accuracy, often providing additional details like its scientific name, growing habits, and even care tips.   

It's like having a botanist in your pocket! This technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with the natural world, making it easier than ever to learn about the plants around us.

​For Apple Users:

​For Android Users:

Tips for Using Plant ID Apps:

Clear photos: Ensure your photos are well-lit and in focus.
Multiple angles: Take photos of different parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, and stems.
Stable connection: A good internet connection is needed for these apps to work effectively.
Cross-reference: Double-check the results with other resources, like a field guide or online database.

By combining traditional observation skills with the power of technology, you'll be well on your way to becoming a community garden plant expert! Happy gardening!

by Paul Hammond. Photos provided by Charlotte Quinn

​The sun was shining, birds were singing, and our community garden was abuzz with the laughter and excited chatter of children. It was a beautiful sight to behold as these young ones, with their boundless energy and curiosity, explored the wonders of nature and discovered the joys of gardening.

From planting tiny seeds to watering thirsty plants, the children were fully immersed in the experience. They dug in the soil with their little hands, marveling at the wriggling worms and curious insects that they found. They learned about the different parts of a plant, from the roots that anchor it to the ground to the leaves that reach for the sun.

​The garden became a living classroom, a place where lessons about science, nutrition, and environmentalism were brought to life. The children learned about the importance of caring for our planet and the role that plants play in our ecosystem. They also discovered the delicious rewards of their labor as they tasted the fruits and vegetables that they had helped to grow.

​But the benefits of gardening extended far beyond the acquisition of knowledge. As the children worked together, they developed valuable social skills, such as cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. They learned to share tools, take turns, and help each other out.

Gardening also fostered a sense of responsibility and accomplishment in the children. They took pride in their work and were excited to see the results of their efforts. They learned that with patience and care, even the smallest seed can grow into something beautiful and bountiful.

​The word "kindergarten" has its roots in the German language, where it literally means "children's garden." This is a fitting name for a place where young children are nurtured and encouraged to grow, just like the plants in our community garden.