AN EDIBLE oasis in the heart of Dandenong is more than just a pretty sight.
The City of Greater Dandenong parks team has planted and harvested hundreds of lettuces from plots around the water wheel in Dandenong Park in Pultney Street.
This month they donated the red and green leafy plants to Dandenong charity Avocare and planted winter veggies.
The spring onions, silverbeet, kale and broccoli planted in a kidney shaped garden bed near the park’s centre will also go to Avocare when they’re ready to eat.
The edible garden project aims to show Greater Dandenong residents that vegetables, herbs and edible plants can be easy to grow and make beautiful gardens, to inspire them to follow suit.
Another garden in the park contains sweet potato, taro and cassava and is part of a Monash University study on how tropical plants grow in cooler climates.
The vegetables are thriving despite Melbourne’s chilly temperatures.
– Casey Neill
