Djo Hillair's report:

We were just  back from overseas, and saw” Padcomgar” in its own way, making a call to the gardeners to work and enjoy themselves ,  just like spring calls the birds to sing and ‘batifolate*’. Spring is a wonderful season in the garden, the weather great for getting outdoors and the garden is full of spring colour. As we have had lots of rain, it has been great for planting all the spring veggies and flowers in brilliant shades of green and blues.

The rewards of the regular and steady work can easily be seen, as one walks through the garden and as November ends.

All of the community plots have shown a will to grow faster, developing with more maturity as the teams have relentlessly shown their diligence and increased knowledge. Green, green, green everywhere! From plot A to F, (to tell you in great honesty), I had such a good time taking home a dozen leaves of lettuce,(thanks for the variety), spinach leaves of golden and red stems, and even wonderful coriander and parsley, but I could not even dare to think of attacking  the marvellous beans of hard-working Steven.

Indeed I was right because we later on had a real feast in September, eating our very own garden produce. I have to say that Steven is not simply the most improved gardener, (in my humble opinion), also the most interesting in his analysis of the ‘growing plots’, but as well, the most laborious cook. Thank you so much for your most delicious and lovingly prepared humous! We have had such fantastic feasts from all of the cooks, especially for our first birthday celebration. The birthday cake was a work of art.  

As for the individual plots, they testify of an assiduous weekly visit. They all are very well cared for and produce a marvellous variety of vegies, (some unknown to me, but I keep asking to be enlightened). Sharing; isn’t it what it’s all about?  And as the months go by, our knowledge and interest will obviously increase.  

As I belong to the maintenance team, I would be reporting that lots of thoughts and care has taken place regarding the most massive and demanding jobs:

The rotunda. We all want a nice spot under which we can sit for our monthly reports and meetings. We want a decent place to eat our very own grown food and we want to show that we are capable of building something which is a reminder of all members capability. Once again, under Rob’s guidance, we are, every Saturday of November, putting in the necessary work, weather permitting. So much has been done already. The end of the month should hopefully see a lovely welcoming rotunda for our future comfort and needs. Well done to everyone involved, John, Doug, Jared and especially Rob and Little Tony!  

As for me, ‘the garden’ is something really special for the very reason that such a demanding but beautiful endeavour can still be a fragile organisation. We all have to do our little bit for preserving and even enhancing the marvellous moments we can share and enjoy in that very special place. It is up to all of us to make it the way we want; beautiful, open minded, helpful, harmonious, fun, fun, fun.

It takes very little to wreck years of relentless and selfless work of a few. I indeed have seen it!  I would like here to forcefully thank everybody of the community,  and once more Vicki and Rob Joyner for literally giving birth to The Paddington Community Garden. Years and years of endless commitment, strong belief and hard work, knowing very well what is good for our community in these modern and demanding times.

 How lucky are we to be able to “go to the country” in the middle of modern Sydney! Who hasn’t had a moment of respite and peace, looking amazed at the garden, at the sunlit cliff on a marvellous sunny afternoon? We all have a wonderful time and it is hard to believe where we were just one year ago. WE did it! So why don’t we keep doing what we do best!

All my very sincere thanks to all of the gardeners of ‘Padcomgar’.

Happy gardening and let’s keep  “ Gardening Australia!!!”.

Djo Hillaire.

Dictionary Note:   Batifolate: = Action of an animal of some sort which seems to enjoy continuously the beauty of his surroundings and invite others to join him in the celebration of happiness, love and naughtiness, if it comes to it!!