The community garden experience < our experience

Fern Tree Community Garden sows SEEDS FOR HEALTH

Seeds For Health is an organic, grass roots community garden program combining support, education and healing in a hands on, eight week program designed to equip people to produce their own organic food. An activity of Adelaide’s Cancer Care Centre, Seeds For Health continues an 18 year tradition of innovative and effective healing programs.

The program provides skills in vegetable gardening, both in gardens and containers, so it will be possible for people to grow their own ‘food for healing’. The experience provides the opportunity to connect with nature and gain the important health benefits of relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, increasing self reliance and a sense of achievement. As well, there are the fun and connections of being part of community gardening.

Fern Tree the venue

The Fern Avenue Community Garden in Fullarton provides the setting for the program. The Cancer Care Centre has a plot in the community garden for demonstration and to produce crops that provide a healthful lunch after the morning session in the garden.

Participants spoke of the therapeutic benefits of the programme.

“This course has enriched my family’s life as well as my life. I have an increased enthusiasm for life. As I eat more healthy food, I am getting the energy to keep up with my enthusiasm.”

“The course is educational, enjoyable and therapeutic. It promoted the connection with nature and assists in the healing process.”
“This course has had a very positive impact on my health—not just the knowledge gained, but also the unexpected spiritual uplift from being in this special place with special people”

Organics, connections and fun

In the community garden, learning about organics and Permaculture is rewarding and fun and a great way to meet like-minded people.
The programme is not limited to people with cancer. The Cancer Care Centre encourages participation by those who are interested in preventing illness and promoting wellness—it is for anyone interested in healing and in living a healthy life. It provides the skills and confidence to improve lifestyle and to produce food.

Eco-fun workshop successful

Within the programme, a holiday eco-fun workshop was held for children and it sparked much interest and involvement.

Setting up a worm farm brought excitement—the wonder of worms and of planting seeds held much fascination.

Community gardening as therapy

The great value of the community gardening program is the sense of purpose, focus and achievement that everyone can experience, along with a wonderfully revitalised sense of the beautiful magic of nature.

“The course was practical and helped me move on after a serious illness”, said a participant.

The experience of community gardening has so much to offer and this is especially so for anyone who has been experiencing difficult challenges in their lives.

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Published in Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network Community Harvest 2004

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PAGE UPDATED... Thursday, 7 June 2007