Gardening gold for residents at Denhams Beach Care Community
Residents at Denhams Beach Care Community wowed locals and visitors alike, taking out two first prize ribbons and one runner-up place for their bountiful produce at the Eurobodalla Agricultural Show last weekend.
The judges were impressed with Denhams Beach Care Community’s plump tomatoes and long green chillis, which won the ‘Any tomato: miniature’ and ‘Six hot chilli peppers with stems’ category. Their silver beet took second place in the ‘Six stalks of silver beet’ category.
Residents Valma, Lenny and Greg were thrilled to join Raquel and Michelle from the Denhams Beach wellbeing team, to present their produce for judging. Their success is a true labour of love, inspired by members of the resident-led Gardening Committee.
Started by Reg, chaired by fellow resident, Greg, and supported by keen gardeners like Valma, Kath and Lenny, the Committee proudly grows and reaps delicious harvests from raised garden beds, mobile Vegepod gardens and large pots of herbs.
“Winning these prizes at the Show means so much to us,” said Greg.
“It takes a team of people and we’re fortunate to have a great Gardening Committee with people who take pride in getting things done.
“We have green thumbs who provide the know-how of where and what to plant, and deft hands that do the watering, weeding, pruning and many other jobs required. This means a lot to all of us and has given us the urge to do even better next year.”
As well as their award-winning tomatoes, green chillies and silver beet, residents and team, including Raquel and Michelle, maintenance officer Danny and chef Kelly, grow an array of seasonal produce including cucumbers, eggplant, rhubarb, mini capsicums, beetroot, radish, beans, broad beans, snow peas, lettuce, and herbs.
“Entering our vegetables in the Show has been a fun time for us,” said Valma.
“To be able to deliver the produce, set up our display and actually win awards was surprising and very exciting. And being part of the wider community is so beneficial to our wellbeing.”
For many residents, growing fresh, nutritious fruit and vegetables is part of their DNA, and continuing their passion at Denhams Beach Care Community is motivating and fulfilling.
“I love the fact we can do this for Denhams Beach Care Community,” said Reg.
“It’s wonderful that we can get together with fellow residents and enjoy what we used to do when we lived in our own home. I love working in the gardens, it brings me joy!”
There’s no end to growing season at Denhams Beach Care Community, with lemon, mandarin, apple and blood orange trees set to bear fruit in the coming months. And visitors to the Show can look forward to a repeat performance next year. As resident Kath said, “We’re all fired up to do even better next year!”
If you’re wondering how residents celebrated their success at the Show, the silver beet made its way into a delicious frittata, while the green chillies and tomato added zest to a summer salad!