15 June 2009
City West Water has contributed to a gardening initiative that promotes healthy eating and moderate exercise for residents at Floyd Lodge in Williamstown.
Coordinated by ISIS Primary Care and the Department of Human Services, the ‘community garden’ was developed as part of the Well for Life program in the grounds of the Floyd Lodge public housing facility, which houses residents aged over 55.
City West Water Managing Director Anne Barker said the garden is a great initiative for the Floyd Lodge community and City West Water was happy to contribute funding for rainwater tanks and composting tools.
“The Floyd Lodge community garden is a fantastic initiative – promoting healthy eating and exercise for over 55s, and with our help, the garden has been developed in a sustainable manner,” Ms Barker said.
“With our current water shortage continuing, it makes sense that this garden has been developed with water conservation and recycling principles from the outset – limiting reliance on precious drinking water.”
Demonstrating further sustainable gardening practices, most plants will be raised from seeds, and onsite recycling of organic waste will go back into the garden as fertiliser.
The site of the garden itself presented a number of challenges – poor soils requiring the garden to be raised, regular strong winds remedied through the construction of a shelter, and mobility requirements for many residents who are affected by disability.
Ms Barker said that gardening has often been a favourite past time for senior citizens, and in this case, will encourage residents to socialise as well as do physical activity to maintain their health.
“Successful gardening is much more than just picking flowers or vegetables – it’s a great way to keep active, meet new people, and get a real sense of satisfaction from seeing seeds turn into plants and then turn into healthy food that’s almost free.”
“And it can provide a learning experience as well – many residents will be ‘green-thumbs’, while for others, this will be the first experience with gardening.”
Ms Barker said City West Water is a regular supporter of initiatives and projects in the community, and is always willing to help the community develop sustainable water practices.
“Rainwater provides a sustainable solution for the Floyd Lodge community garden, providing gardeners with free water, and compost facilities will help with organic fertiliser needs.
"We dedicate substantial resources to strengthening the relationship with our community, and it is always a pleasure to see that support used in initiatives like these that give a direct boost to people’s lives.”