Good food and garden blooms

Good food and garden blooms: Why the Kondinin Community Garden is one to visit

There's more to Kondinin's Community Garden than thriving greens.

The small Wheatbelt town, 272km east of Perth, brightens the region in more ways than one with its community garden. Established in 2015, the not-for-profit community garden at the former Kondinin Swimming Pool is led by volunteers who share a love for horticulture.

Over the years, the Shire of Kondinin and grant funding have helped nurture the community garden with its upkeep and growth. Their support has allowed the garden to engage artists to facilitate locally-led art projects such as painting murals depicting the Nyoongar six seasons and various sculptures. It has also provided the garden to expand its facilities with an outdoor kitchen with decking, bench tops, and a pizza oven added in 2019. Its onsite Bush Tucker Garden and a nature play area for kids are open for public use.

Besides exercising green thumbs and paint brushes, the community garden also hosts various events throughout the year. Here, we share exciting events to mingle with locals and have fun in the much-loved garden.

Gourmet in the Garden

Gourmet in the Garden is the community backyard's biggest event. The ever-popular sit-down dinner is hosted annually in a marquee setting, beautifully decorated by a team of volunteers. Each year, a guest chef comes to prepare dinner for 120 people, and this year is no exception, with renowned Perth chef Melissa Palinkas attending the event in March.

The event also includes live music and a pop-up caravan bar in the garden.

Twilight Markets

The annual Twilight Markets are hosted each December. The markets see a range of stalls set up in the garden, from food, hardware, and gifts to local artisan creations. Grab a feed from one of the food vans and watch live entertainment under the stars. Kids will also be amused with activities, such as face painting and hair braiding.

Support the community and satisfy your sweet tooth cravings by purchasing from the bake sale and raffle, raising funds to help local causes.

Spinning Flower Workshop

Enjoy breezy blooms with a Spinning Flower Workshop on March 25. Hosted by artist Michael Alvares, learn how to create your very own art installation - a spinning flower - using recycled plastic bottles. Flowers, paints, brushes and a painting shirt are provided.

Busy Bee

To help cultivate the garden's wellbeing, the community often organises monthly 'Busy Bee' events. As the old saying goes, 'Many hands make light work' with helpers treated to complimentary tea, coffee, and barbecue breakfast wraps for their efforts.

Fundraisers and birthdays

The community garden is a popular place to host fundraisers, birthdays and celebrations. The pizza oven is also available for hire through the Shire of Kondinin.

Keen to see the garden get lively? Check the Kondinin Community Garden Facebook page for upcoming events.