Successful wicking garden beds in community garden

Several years after the establishment of a water efficiency garden project at Centacare Catholic Country SA's (CCCSA) Port Lincoln base, vegetables are well and truly flourishing within purpose-built wicking garden beds, installed through the support of SA Water’s Community Partnerships Program.

Providing up to $10,000, the annual program provides support for projects with a focus on sustainability, healthy communities and environmental leadership.

Centacare Assistant Manager Ann Hennessy said the initiative, which was one of 11 projects funded through SA Water's 2019-20 program, has been a resounding success, with many members of the local community reaping the benefits.

"The wicking beds in our community garden have proven to be cost-effective, water efficient, and provide a more sustainable solution for gardening," Ann said.

“During hot weather, the beds only require topping up every seven to 10 days, compared to daily irrigation of the vegetable garden prior to installing the wicking beds. We also use mulch to keep the soil moist and to reduce the top soil drying out."

Wicking beds use a self-watering system that allows the plants to draw water from a reservoir beneath the soil, reducing water consumption and ensuring the plants receive the right amount of water they need to grow.

“The garden also provides a space for people to come together and engage in gardening activities, promoting social interaction and community building," Ann said.

"Staff carrying out maintenance have received positive feedback from visitors, given them an opportunity to explain the wicking system and how it can be implemented in home gardens.

"Port Lincoln CCCSA office collaborates with other agencies in the Community Street Gardens project, whose motto is 'grow it, share it, eat it', providing access to safe and nutritious food for our community to harvest at any time of the day."

SA Water’s General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Nicola Murphy said it's great to be able to support an initiative which not only demonstrates the benefits of water-efficient gardening, but also the value of an outdoor community space.

"This project shares our vision of sustainability and liveability and we’re really pleased to see the garden beds thrive and generate such a positive outcome for the Port Lincoln community," Nicola said.

For more information on SA Water’s Community Partnerships Program, visit sawater.com.au.

Contact:

Phone:

Email: