Our Community Garden is open
Our resident-led Community Garden is open.
It was the British poet, Alfred Austin who so eloquently described the spiritual benefits of tending a garden.
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul,” he said.
It is a quote that rings true at The Botanic Silverdale where an experienced landscaping team have worked tirelessly to design, plant, and nurture the village’s native and exotic gardens. Pathways meander through the village, and mature natives line the banks of a stream that borders The Clubhouse.
Villa residents can, if they wish, tend their own gardens, but a sizeable community garden is also under construction at The Botanic including two 26m2 ‘Winter Gardenz’ glasshouses which are connected by a pergola.
“There are 24 planter boxes in total and when viewed from above, they resemble a fern,” says Michelle Pipping, a Millwater resident and a sales consultant at The Botanic.
Once completed, there will be bench seats, tables and chairs, and a BBQ area to support residents to spend time together in the garden area, or host visiting friends and family.
The planter boxes and glasshouses will be surrounded by an edible garden of fruit trees including feijoa, citrus, persimmon, fig, apple, avocado, stone fruits, grapes, and berries.
Resident Alan Ferguson is the Chairman of the Community Garden and says the area will foster a sense of companionship and connection, and will allow residents to share their experience and knowledge of growing fresh produce.
“I definitely like to get my hands in the soil. I had a large garden before I moved to The Botanic and it provided us with fresh produce for most of the year. I’m really looking forward to watching the community garden take shape,” he says.
“I don’t think you can underestimate how beneficial it is to our wellbeing when we spend time outside and surrounded by nature.”
Michelle says The Botanic’s landscaped gardens and commitment to creating a village ‘surrounded by nature’ are key reasons why many retirees have chosen to move to The Botanic.
“I don’t think you can underestimate how beneficial it is to our wellbeing when we spend time outside and surrounded by nature. I know there are many residents who can’t wait to get stuck in and get planting.”
The gardening group is anticipating the first fresh produce will be harvested in Spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about The Botanic Silverdale’s Community Garden?
The Community Garden at The Botanic Silverdale is a resident-led project designed to foster connection, wellbeing, and sustainability. It features 24 planter boxes arranged in the shape of a fern, two 26m² glasshouses, and an edible garden with fruit trees such as feijoa, citrus, avocado, and berries, creating a space where residents can grow fresh produce and enjoy nature together.
Who can participate in The Botanic’s Community Garden?
All residents of The Botanic Silverdale are welcome to participate in the Community Garden. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, the space encourages residents to share knowledge, cultivate vegetables and fruit, and build friendships through a shared passion for gardening.
What are the benefits of having a community garden at The Botanic Silverdale?
The garden promotes physical activity, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing. As resident and Community Garden Chair Alan Ferguson shares, gardening provides not only fresh produce but also a sense of companionship and connection with nature. The project reflects The Botanic’s vision of a village surrounded by nature, where residents can nurture both body and soul.
