​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.
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​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.

Mandurah Community Gardens have been chosen by Grill'd in Mandurah as one of the 3 lucky local community groups to included in the November 2024 round of LOCAL MATTERS. 

​Support Grill'd to help support us and other local community groups.

A big thank you to Grill'd from all of our members, and the community who enjoy Mandurah Community Gardens, for continuing to support us for nearly 10 years with your Local Matters fund raiser.

By Paul Hammond & Cheryl Ivey

The Grow Cart Project
​This is a collaboration between Frasers Property, the City of Mandurah, the Mandurah Mens’ Shed, and Mandurah Community Garden. Located in front of the Community Centre on Landings Blvd, the Grow Cart is a place for everyone to share surplus produce like fruit, veggies, seeds etc with the community. The Mandurah Community Gardens team are the managing the cart, ensuring it thrives and provides a benefit to everyone in the community.
The launch of the project was at a BBQ held at the Frasers Landing community centre on September 15 2024, with Mandurah Community Gardens represented by committee member Cheryl Ivey.

What is a Grow Cart?​
A grow cart is a simple, yet ingenious concept that's gaining momentum in Australian communities. It's essentially a public space where people can share their surplus garden produce. This initiative promotes sustainability, fosters community spirit, and ensures everyone has access to fresh, healthy food.
​
How Did Grow Carts Start?
The origins of grow carts in Australia is that they likely emerged from the country's thriving community gardening and food sharing movements. As people started cultivating their own food, they often found themselves with more produce than they could consume. To avoid waste and share their bounty, they began leaving extra veggies and fruits in designated areas for others to take.
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Over time, the idea of using a dedicated cart or container to centralize this sharing evolved. This made it easier for people to find and contribute to the community's food supply.

Why Grow Carts Are Gaining Popularity
The popularity of grow carts can be due to many factors:

• Sustainability: By reducing food waste and promoting local, organic food production, grow carts contribute to a more sustainable future.
• Community Building: These initiatives foster a sense of connection and cooperation among neighbors, strengthening community bonds.
• Food Access: Grow carts provide a reliable source of fresh, affordable food, especially for those who may have limited access to grocery stores or fresh produce.

Grow Carts: A Simple Yet Powerful Solution
Grow carts are a testament to the power of community and the positive impact that small actions can have. They offer a practical and sustainable solution to food waste and food insecurity, while also fostering a stronger sense of community. As Australia continues to embrace sustainable practices, grow carts are poised to play an increasingly important role in our food systems.

​Mandurah's Grow Cart: A Community Gem
Mandurah Community Garden is proud to be a part of the growing community grow cart movement.
In partnership with the City of Mandurah, we maintain a grow cart at the local Fraser's Landing Community Centre with healthy organically grown food donated from our communal garden, by members, and donations from private gardens in the local community.

Our grow cart serves as a vibrant hub for food sharing and community engagement. Here, residents can drop off their surplus garden produce, knowing it will find a good home. Whether it's tomatoes, zucchini, herbs, or other fresh goodies, all donations are gratefully received.

How to Get Involved:

• Donate: Simply bring your extra produce to the grow cart at Fraser's Landing Community Centre.
• Take: If you're in need of fresh produce, feel free to help yourself to whatever is available.
• Volunteer: Join our dedicated team of volunteers who help maintain the grow cart and promote its benefits.
• Become a member of Mandurah Community Gardens and help to grow food that can be stocked on the Grow Cart – while having fun and making great friends!

By participating in our grow cart initiative, you're not only helping to reduce food waste but also contributing to a more sustainable and connected community. Let's work together to nourish our community and planet!

The Grow Cart is located at The Frasers Landing Community Centre
A community hub for art groups, craft, mosaics, photography clubs, social ukulele classes, nature groups and more. Visit the Frasers Landing Frasers Landing community noticeboard for more details.

For more information about the Grow Cart, contact [email protected]

While our local government has a mosquito eradication program with spraying, there are measures we can take out ourselves to help reduce mosquitos breeding in the garden and the risk of being bitten:

1. Look for any leaking taps or pipes and fix them so that they don't pool water.
2. Wear gloves whenever you are doing gardening (always recommended).
3. Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothes like jeans. Make sure children are also appropriately covered up.
4. Look for water collection points such as pots and turn them over to stop them collecting water.
5. Always apply insect repellent and have some with you for re-application or to share with others. Use insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), also known as PMD, and always follow the instructions on the label.

​Spray or roll-on repellents containing 20% DEET will last about 5 hours, whereas sprays containing 7% DEET will provide about 3 hours of protection. 

Here are some take-aways from an email sent to Mandurah Community Gardens from the City of Mandurah:

Mandurah Community Gardens exists because of the work that our volunteers have put in to make it a place to grow food, to make friends, and to raise awareness in our community about growing our own food in good company. It couldn't keep going without the help of so many volunteers who contribute their time and energy, and share their knowledge.
Like most community assets, this community garden is run as a registered non-profit organisation that requires a team of people that work together on the committee to manage it.
Our garden is like any garden - always planning ahead, making decisions and considering the options to take. And of course, making the most of it means enjoying each other's company and having a great time!

Being a member of a community garden is just like any other community organisation. It is not like being a member of a buying club or a library because it is socially orientated and an activity-based kind of membership. It's value to the member is inherently derived from what members individually put into it. 
For the cost of a very inexpensive membership, Mandurah Community Gardens does provide its members with a place that is resplendent with facilities, cheap leasable and free community plots, fertiliser, seeds, tools, amenities, social events and educational workshops, plus much more — everything a good community garden and every individual member needs to keep growing.
We also extend our invitation to the wider community to attend our events, our workshops, and to visit the gardens when we are open.
If you ask every member who volunteers why they volunteer to help, they will tell you that they get so much more from participating in helping with the garden. They know it truly pays wonderful dividends on what they contribute.
Our members strive to keep the costs of running a garden and the cost of membership down, but the only way to achieve this and keep a community garden is to receive funding and donations from individuals, businesses and government. Still, funding isn't anywhere near enough to run a community garden without the personal effort of our volunteers.

As we have advertised through email, our Bulletin newsletter, on Facebook and on this website, we have roles that urgently need to be filled on the committee. We need volunteers for:

• Secretary 
• Treasurer
• Events Coordinator
• Garden Coordinator

All of these roles are vital for Mandurah Community Gardens to function, and for it to continue to exist. Our committee members are currently pulling together to help with these roles, but it places an unfair burden on each of them to do the extra tasks required for each role above what they already do. Ultimately, it is in the best interests of all our members if every member will give their consideration to this and help us however they can. 
All the roles will have training provided and support from our committee members. The average commitment required for most roles is anywhere for 1-2 hours a week and sometimes a bit more for events or workshops. Committee members are required to attend a committee meeting once a month.

The help from volunteers is how we have got this far, and it's how we will continue to keep going and growing.

If you think you can help your community garden by volunteering your time and skills, please contact Jenny or Cheryl via the form on this website.

When summer is here it comes a few things to be aware of in our community garden...

Blue tongue Lizards and snakes

• Blue tongue lizards live and roam in the garden, so look before diving your hand into any garden areas. Several water bowls have been placed around the garden for their use so please top them up when you see them empty.
• So far no snakes have been sighted but be alert for the possibility, make a noise and keep your eyes open!

Pests and disease in your patch

• Unfortunately we have tomato blight, red spider mite and pottery mildew popping up in a few areas. Remember we are organic so any sprays need to be carefully selected before use. Please check with someone before spraying.
• Tomato blight all infected leaves should be removed, BAGGED, and put in the green landfill bin. Red spider mites have infected our papinos but they also can go for peppers, tomatoes, capsicum, beans, corn and strawberries. Remove all infected leaves BAG and put in the green landfill bin or use a non chemical option if the infestation is in its early stage.
• Powdery Mildew is common to zucchinis and can spread to rockmelon, grapes and cucumber so nipping it in the but is needed early. Spraying leaves with milk in their younger stage is recommended, never water leaves only the soil, remove infected leaves immediately and put them in the green landfill bin.
• CLEAN ALL GARDEN TOOLS USED WITH DILUTED BLEACH, VINEGAR OR METHYLATED SPIRITS IN A BUCKET THAT CAN BE USED BY OTHERS PLEASE OR WITH A RAG SOAKED IN THE CLEANER. We have vinegar under the sink in the garden.