Garden in bloom with $5000 grant

By Tania Martin
THE Hills Community Garden project in Cockatoo is one step closer with the State Government announcing a $5000 grant.
The money will be used to recruiting volunteers to help establish a community garden whilst sharing their skills.
“Hills Community Garden will provide a complete social hub, providing opportunities for physical and social activities,” she said.
The Hills Community Garden has been an ongoing project for Cockatoo for the last 18 months and is continuing to gain support from the community.
The garden will be located at the Alma Treloar Reserve which is adjacent to the tennis courts in Pakenham Road.
In March last year, the garden committee appointed Gembrook horticulturist Jamie Simpson to complete the designs for the garden, which will include orchards, vegetable patches, ponds and open space areas.
The committee has also planned for full access for disable people.
The plans have been divided up into three stages with this latest funding boost, giving the committee the opportunity to get the plans underway.
Stage one involves creating individual garden beds and vegetable patches.
Committee president Owen Deppeler said stage two and three of the project would involve the introduction of indigenous plants, a sensory garden, and a gazebo and barbecue area.
This funding brings the projects funding total up to $18,500 after it received $5000 from the Andrews Foundation, $5000 from the Shire of Cardinia, and $3500 from the Nell Mitchell Op Shop.