Apply for a plot today!

Things to do:

• Dig 1m from fence to inside of tank base for timber frame
• Prepare perimeter indigenous garden beds
• Trench needs to dug for pipes 100-150cm wide, approx 250 mm deep (this trench runs along the garden bed perimeter.
• Finish garden bed edging and mow grassy paths, then lay mulch on paths (75-100mm deep)

Bring gloves, shovel and thermos of tea/coffee and biscuits

Three eras of garden party were emulated. One room was set in the theme of a 1930s earthy soiree; another as a 50s outdoor-diner; and another as a 70s disco-BBQ. Helen and the gorgeous Each Peach staff provided us with an outrageously scrumptious 3 course meal whilst Buckleys beer and Allira wines ensured that everyone had a jolly ol’ time.

A bedazzling array of raffle prizes were up for grabs with generous donations from Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Readings books, Madman, The SBS Shop, The Abruzzo Club, and Fitzroy Therapeutics.

Guests were entertained by comedian, Daniel Burt along with our own didgeridoo player and story sharer, Shane Clarence.

It was also Bernie’s birthday so we got to help her celebrate too.

Thank you to all who came along.

Don’t miss out. Applications close September 1st 2010.

Pauline provided us with a crate for the vertically challenged, decorated with green fabric and red tape for the official speech.

Aunty Di Kerr arrived and welcomed us to country, speaking about her family’s connection with the Merri Creek and environs. She thanked us for seeking to create beauty with our garden.

Bernie then spoke about the history of the MCCG, red tape and decentralized organizational structures.Jo Connellan, Greens counsellor for Moreland City Council, committee member of CERES and community garden advocate then spoke about community groups, longevity and congratulated the MCCG on their efforts.

Our virtual guests from our sister garden in East Brunswick New Jersey, USA spoke via skype projected on the big screen, and Rich read our sister garden resolution. Many tears were shed.

Breakfast! Pancakes were served with maple syrup, fruit and yoghurt. Muffins, lemonade, tea and coffee were gulped, a delicious feast provided by Rich, Liz, Heather, Anabel, Sue, Eleisha,. We then headed to the garden for the
official turning of the soil, followed by round of Huzzahs. Around 33 people began the immense and rewarding task of digging up kikuyu grass and rocks. Throughout the day we unearthed large chunks of bluestone, brick,
shoes, bones and other miscellaneous items to a wonderful soundtrack, a compilation of everyone’s favourite garden music. It was during this that friends , strangers, mums, dads and children could be seen talking and connecting over their spades, mattocks, trowels, pitchforks and rakes. Gardeners paraded their funky new gumboots. Everyone got covered in mud.

Lunch! Halal sausages, veggie burgers, onions and gallons of sauce, delicious home baked cakes and sweets. People could barely move, but nothing would stop us! We managed to crawl back into the garden and continue digging, and were rewarded by the sun breaking through the clouds.

People walking past the garden stopped in their tracks, and many were immediately inspired to pick up a tool and join in. The temporary fencing went up around the site, and then trenches were dug for food scraps to be piled into. Gypsum was sprinkled and dug in. Then showers and we regrouped at the EC for food,drinks and huzzahs.

What an amazing day- so many new faces and wonderful conversations! And its only the first of many busy bees to come!

Check out some pics and video from the day below:

Flickr Gallery

Garden Party!

It’s on! Join us on August 14th   for a  Garden Party with a Merri twist….a 3-course dinner  at Each Peach, 506 Lygon St,with an all-organic, locally-sourced menu, entertainment and good times, for $35/head!

The party’s set and it’s a sell out crowd! If you’re super keen on a ticket you can still email us below as there might be some people who can’t make it.

To find out more, email bookings@merricorner.org

SOLD OUT!

The Dig Day Out

Saturday 3rd July – 10.30am til 5pm