Community
12 May, 2023
Bringing joy in the garden
WHEN it comes to running a successful business and giving back to the community, Craig Walker and Emma Brown are to be commended.
What began as an idea to help locals who enjoy gardening but, for one reason or another, are unable to bend down, is today a thriving business that is giving back to the community. Sharky’s Raised Garden Beds produces high quality beds that enable even those with limited physical abilities, the chance to enjoy gardening and the great outdoors.
“Our aim is to offer friendly service, great communication and an outstanding product,” Craig said.
“A major part of our business is the gifting of free beds to those who would otherwise be unable to garden.
“We sell to the public and use some of the proceeds from sales to purchase materials and make garden beds to gift to those in need.”
To date, more than 40 garden beds have been donated to grateful recipients including those in wheelchairs, people with MND and others with sight impairments. Vicki (surname withheld on request) was one such recipient.
“I was so grateful to be gifted a raised garden bed because I love to grow organic food,” she said.
“I have very limited eye sight but thanks to this new garden bed I’m able to walk into my backyard and easily identify and pick edible plants. This has made such a positive impact on my life.”
Katie Lane, who spends most of her time in a wheelchair, was another happy recipient of a gifted garden bed.
“I absolutely love gardening but I spend most of my time in a wheelchair – without these raised beds I wouldn’t be able to get out and dig around and plant veggies and flowers. I’m very grateful for the donation.
They are the perfect height for someone in a chair.”
Craig and Emma are strong believers in the therapeutic effects of ‘hands in the dirt’ and raising and caring for flowers and vegetables.
“Research has proven gardening requires the use of several key bodily functions that could ultimately stave off common elderly health issues,” they said.
“Using your body and mind to plant, cultivate, and maintain a garden can keep you physically and mentally fit which is why we are so passionate about donating garden beds to nursing homes, respite homes and individuals living independently at home who are wheelchair bound or suffering from a mobility or major sight disability.
“Being able to go into your garden and pick fresh, nourishing produce is great for the mind, body and spirit.
If we can help people achieve this in a small way, we are accomplishing our agenda at Sharky’s Raised Garden Beds.”
Craig and Emma can be contacted at sharky6571@yahoo.com.au or phone Craig on 0456 293 069 or text Emma on 0439 342 950.
