By Danielle Kutchel
Bushfire-affected residents are being called upon to put this Saturday aside for gardening, with a number of volunteers making their way to the region to help build up the blooms for fire victims.
The Lions Garden Recovery Group is leading the charge, with volunteers from the Garfield Community Garden and Bunyip Green Thumbs donating their time, energy and expertise to helping residents to plan and plant new gardens this Saturday 9 November from 9.00am.
In addition, 15 people from the Clifton Hill Garden Club will be attending with over 500 plants that they have propagated, ready to take to new soil.
More than 500 extra plants have also been donated by Suzanne de Pelsenaire, a Kooweerup resident and keen gardener whose open garden event at her property in October raised more than $3000 for cochlear implant recipients.
Many homes were devastated in the fires that swept through the Bunyip State Park in March, with established trees and shrubs reduced to ash.
Shirley Higman, president of the Cranbourne Lions Club Internet Branch, said the day would put a smile on residents’ faces.
“There’s the visual impact of looking out their window and seeing something other than black, seeing a garden somewhat as it was. Then there is knowing people care, like the volunteers from Clifton Hill coming all the way over to spend time helping them, that impact is huge because sometimes there’s that feeling of having been forgotten.”
She added that residents would welcome the assistance.
“There’s so much to do in the garden, on top of everything else you need to do to recover mentally and physically from the fires,” she said.
The day will also be a social opportunity for bushfire-affected residents, who are encouraged to visit Tonimbuk Hall, pick up some plants and strike up a conversation with their neighbours and the volunteers.
A BBQ lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Ms Higman said more volunteers were always welcome, with anyone interested in lending a hand or receiving help on the day urged to contact her on 0411 231 650.
CFA Grass Curing Map of Victoria – November 2018 compared with November 2019
