A group of suburban gardeners in Boondall have found that friendship and fresh produce go hand in hand.
Sonja Sipovak started the Boondall Food Swap – Handmade and Homegrown Goodness group more than two years ago, when she was a novice gardener.
“I was new to gardening, but I knew there were people out there with knowledge, and I was looking to create a community of like-minded people to learn from each other,” she said.
“The group has brought so many people together, we have all ages, men and women, and all levels of gardening experience.”
The group of friends and neighbours meets once a month to exchange home grown goodies, and to chat all things gardening.
“People can bring produce from their garden, or anything that is homemade or home baked,” Sonja said.
“Or something that can be used at home or in the garden, like glass jars, egg cartons, and toilet rolls for seeds.
“Our meet-ups have turned into a bit of a morning tea – people make jam or bake things.”
Growing Food, Friendships and Community
She added there was no pressure to bring anything each month.
“We don’t have strict rules about what you have to bring or how much, just come along, it’s very casual and everyone is welcome,” Sonja said.
Sonja said gardening was a hobby that had brought her a great deal of joy.
“Gardening has got me through some hard times in my life,” she said. “Just being outside with my hands in the soil, it healed me.
“And being able to grow your food, it’s so satisfying. Gardening in Queensland can be tough, you deal with all the elements, but that’s all part of it, and coming to the group, we all share what’s working for us for pests or anything like that – just helping each other.”
She said the group was passionate about saving seeds and promoting fresh homegrown produce.
“Growing your own, pesticide-free food is so good for your health and wellbeing,” Sonja said.
“And you can save money as well by growing your own. But for me, the biggest aspect of our group is the community aspect.
“There’s been really beautiful friendships formed, and my closest circle are now people I have met through this group.”
For more information, email boondallmonthlyswap@gmail.com or search Facebook for 4034 Boondall Food Swap.
Boondall Food Swap – Handmade and Homegrown Goodness
- Second Sunday of each month, 9.30am-11am
- Boondall Park
- End of Muller Road, Boondall
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