On Saturday 3 September at Mist Olinda, a new program for storm-impacted Hills residents is launching.
The free Healing in Our Gardens Community Recovery program run by Yarra Ranges Council aims to support storm-impacted residents with garden-inspired events, activities and resources.
The program is for residents whose gardens were directly impacted by the June 2021 storm, as well as providing the opportunity for all residents who may not have been directly impacted, to connect with, help and support our storm-impacted communities.
At the launch event, residents will be able to learn more about the program and meet community garden and environmental groups as well as individuals who are helping to make the program possible.
One of those people is award-winning landscape designer Phillip Johnson, who is in the process of recreating his Best in Show winning ‘Australian Garden’ of the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, this garden will be renamed ‘Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda’.
Phillip will be presenting at the launch and will be drawing on his local knowledge to highlight the opportunities for local gardeners despite the 2021 storm damage.
“While the loss of trees caused by the storm has been tragic, we have a unique opportunity to make a change to our gardens and bring them back to health, but to also listen to each other and drive collaboration on how we nurture our gardens and the wider environment,” Phillip said.
“Sadly, we have lost a large amount of trees canopy, which means that gardens are now more exposed to sun and heat, but this brings with it new opportunities to grow flowers or vegetables that perhaps weren’t able to grow before.”
Yarra Ranges Council estimates over 1000 residents have either lost their gardens entirely or have been impacted or damaged from the 2021 storms.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Councilllor Jim Child said one of the most significant reasons people choose to live in the Dandenong Ranges is for the large well-established gardens.
Councillor Child urged residents who had experienced storm damage to their properties to sign up for the Healing in our Gardens program.
“Our Dandenong Ranges is renowned for its beautiful gardens, and many of our residents and communities have nurtured, cared and tended for their gardens and environment over many years, and now simply don’t know where to start or do not have the energy, funds or capacity to reclaim their garden,” Councillor Child said.
“With the support of Council and local Landcare and gardening groups, this project will be a living, evolving environmental project for people impacted by the storm to collaborate, share knowledge and resources, and ultimately help each other in the recovery of their garden.”
The launch event for Healing in our Gardens will be held from 2pm to 4pm.
Bookings are essential and can be made at: https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/recovery/ Community-and-wellbeing/Healing-In-Our-Gardens
Mist Olinda is located at the National Rhododendron Garden in Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Olinda VIC 3788.
