Community
29 August, 2025
Hard work sprouts community garden
DERRINALLUM’s up and coming community garden is well on its way to becoming a reality thanks to the dedicated work of community members over the weekend.
As Western District Newspapers reported in April, the community garden is part of a revamp of what is now known as Derrinallum Creative Gifts at 31 Main Street and using the space behind the building.
Rae Pfeiffer, who organised the working bee held last Saturday and Sunday, said a lot of people threw their support behind the project including the Derrinallum Progress Association.
“There’s just so many people to thank,” she said.
The small crew of seven worked hard over the weekend, enjoying coffee, tea and water as they worked and enjoyed a special barbecue on the Sunday to celebrate their efforts.
“We got all the old trees and plants out of the way and levelled it all out,” Ms Pfeiffer said.
“We put plastic into the bottom of the garden beds and put in scoria on the bottom and soil.
“We hung a new gate – we even got to plant some seedlings in there as well.
“We’ve probably gotten about half of it done – we still have another half of it to go, with putting up the greenhouse and setting up some more veggie boxes.
“Everybody worked really hard, so it’s on its way to being a successful garden.”
Ms Pfeiffer said she was “over the moon” with the progress made.
“For how many of us who were there, we did so much and it looks so good,” she said.
“Everyone worked so well together and everything is falling into place.
“One of the girls asked me if it met my expectations. I said it’s better than my expectations.
“The whole crew just blew me away with what they did.
“They didn’t need direction – they just all knew what they were doing, where to go and what to do.”
Ms Pfeiffer said the plan, at this stage, was to tinker about in the garden before watering system was installed.
“We have a bit of green waste we want to tidy up as well,” she said.
“What we’re thinking of doing is we’re going to tinker around and set up more boxes over time before getting the watering system in.
“If the community wants to come down and tinker with us as well, the gates are open.
“We’re quite happy to meet with people.”
Anyone interested in popping over to the garden to assist is encouraged to contact Ms Pfeiffer on 04278 764 299.
Read More: Derrinallum