Community
20 February, 2026
Community garden a shared passion
GARDENING enthusiasts of all ages are coming together to share their love of fresh produce and the great outdoors.
Since it was first established in High Street (between the library and senior citizens’ centre) last October, the Koroit Community Garden is proving ‘fruitful’ in more ways than one.
Not only is it continuing to produce a large range of fresh produce, for the shared enjoyment of locals, it is also helping to bridge the generation gap.
“We have young children right through to the elderly regularly visiting the garden to pick some produce and help with maintenance,” locals Loretta Gurnett and Cass Carroll said.
“It’s so heart warming to see this garden not only flourish but also bring people together with a shared love of gardening and spending time outdoors.
“We held a community planting day here (in Koroit) last November and since then the garden beds have just flourished.”
The community garden now boasts a colourful array of produce including cucumber, tomato, capsicum, zucchini, silverbeet, spinach, pumpkin and a range of tasty herbs.
“We also have lots of bulbs as well as pollenating flowers which is just beautiful,” Loretta said.
“When we first established the garden, we used layers of newspapers which was then topped with mulch - this garden is free of baits and pesticides.”
Loretta and Cass said more than 40 locals continue to volunteer their time watering and nurturing the garden to ensure it continues to evolve.
“This garden has certainly been well received by the community; people are welcome to take what they need, when they need it, and that’s exactly what is happening.”
Loretta and Cass made special mention of the support the project has received from Moyne Shire Council and the library, along with a generous donation from the Koroit Lions Club.
“We were successful in our application for a grant through the council’s Community Assistance Grant program and received $3,000 to purchase four large, raised garden beds and some essential tools.”
The Koroit Community Garden will be officially opened this Sunday between 11am and 1pm.
A free sausage sizzle will be on offer, along with tea and coffee and the chance to win some ‘garden gate’ prizes.
A ‘Come and Do’ session is also held on the third Saturday of each month from 10am when participants can help plan, plant, potter and enjoy the garden.
The community garden project builds on the success and strength of the Koroit Produce Swap which has been running for about 10 years (with monthly swap events at the Koroit Theatre).
