From little things, big things grow

A UNIQUE fundraising initiative involving tomato seeds has grown into a $6000 donation for the Warrnambool Community Garden.

By Staff Writer

Last weekend’s 15 year-anniversary celebration of the Warrnambool Community Garden became an extra special one thanks to a surprise donation of $6,000 from Perry and Rose Cho, which was gratefully accepted by Sprouts Club coordinator at the garden, Heather Ryan (right).

The surprise donation, announced at the 15-year anniversary celebration by Perry and Rose Cho, will significantly boost the Sprouts Club program.

This program introduces children to gardening and cooking with fresh produce.

Last weekend saw the first open day held for the garden in over five years and attracted more than 500 visitors.

The large crowds enjoyed an afternoon of music and art while making their way through the gardens.

The Sprouts Club kid’s garden has seen significant renewal this year.

A nature-based mural by artists Sheridan and Jimmi Buscombe has been added, alongside an extension of six water-efficient wicking beds forming a ‘Community Court’ with the support of Perry and Rose Cho and Foodcube.

A ribbon cutting officially opened the area, followed by an announcement of the additional major donation.

Perry Cho, the mastermind behind the tomato seed sale, said they had always wanted to find a creative way to support the garden that aligned with its purpose and would benefit the next generation of young growers.

“The enthusiasm for varieties like ‘Cowboy’ and ‘Rebel Starfighter Prime’ exceeded all expectations, showing how passionate our community is about gardening and sustainability,” Mr Cho said.

“This initiative raised an impressive initial sum, with additional donations from current and past partners of Sinclair Wilson.”

The funds will provide gardening resources to empower young children to plant, grow and harvest food.

Sprouts Club coordinator Heather Ryan expressed her gratitude for last weekend’s donation.

“This generous donation means so much to our volunteer-run program, and we’re all absolutely delighted with the news,” Ms Ryan said.

“We are incredibly thankful to Perry and Rose, as well as the community, for their support.”

The renovated all-abilities nursery, designed to suit a wider range of people to garden more comfortably, also benefited from Perry and Rose Cho’s donation with four Foodcubes installed on-site.

This was opened by Felicity Melican, trustee of the A.L. Lane Foundation and Lisa McLeod, executive officer of the Fletcher Jones Family Foundation.

Over the past 15 years the site has transformed from a weed-infested parcel of unused land into a community hub full of life through the work of dedicated volunteers.

“Last Saturday’s celebration was a wonderful day and it was wonderful to see so many community members there to celebrate this special milestone with us and to see how the garden has developed over the years,” committee member and event organiser, Jeff Rollinson said.

“And what made the day even more special, I believe, was to see some of the founding members from the garden’s first five years, back to see how much it has grown and developed.”

As the garden enters its next chapter, it is seeking members and volunteers for roles ranging from gardening helpers to event coordinators.

This presents a unique opportunity for community members to directly shape the future of this vital local resource.

For more information about the Warrnambool Community Garden and how to get involved, visit wcg3280.org.au, phone 0493 057 811, or email grow@wcg3280.org.au.