The Dyurali community garden behind the new Hub @ Bonnyrigg Dhanawi officially opened on Monday 31 March. Nine SGCH customers attended the initial planting session, working together to plant out the first garden bed. 

 “This garden is for the community, with the decisions about what to be planted there completely led by the community,” said Sarah, from SGCH’s Connecting Communities for South West Sydney. “The gardens will be allocated to those who are keen to have a space to grow plants and they will be able to access the garden all through the week.”   

The garden has 17 generous garden beds that are filled with premium potting mix, ready for planting. Several beds are raised higher to accommodate community members with mobility challenges.  

When asked what they’d like to see growing in the garden, some of the attendees enthusiastically suggested white corn and papaya trees. The beds are designed for both vegetables and flowers, while Fairfield City Council has already planted fruit trees around the perimeter. Council will be adding more trees and a new indoor/outdoor structure to ensure the garden can be used in all weather conditions.  

Darren from Community Greening, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s gardening program for social housing tenants, facilitated the first planting session. He shared valuable tips on garden management, optimal planting strategies and companion planting techniques.  

This new garden joins our 18 existing community gardens operated in partnership with Community Greening.