One of the things I love about living in this gorgeous harbour-side city is the discoveries I make. Even after eight years I am still discovering little pockets of loveliness, be it ‘McIvers Ladies Baths’ at Coogee, the independent cinema ‘The Ritz’, the croissants from the French patisserie, the artisan markets that pop up every few weeks or the Randwick City Council Community Nursery. Hmmmm, which should I tell you about, they’ll all make you green with envy. Let’s go with the Randwick City Council Community Garden.

I’m not sure how or when I discovered the Randwick City Council Community Nursery, but I am so pleased that I did.

They have a wide range of both Australian natives and exotic plants to choose from and the staff are knowledgeable and always happy to help.

The plants are provided for both private garden use and for use by the council to beautify our Local Government Area – when maintained.

The nursery encourages the use of native plants in residential gardens, particularly the provenance species. Provenance species are plants that were found in the local coastal area prior to European settlement. Using local species ‘provides habitat for native bird and insect species, assists in the conservation of our local species and ensures higher plant survival rates as they have evolved to cope with local soil and climatic conditions’ (as detailed on the Randwick City Council Community Nursery website).

I am a big fan of this nursery for many reasons, the staff, the location, the affordable prices, and most importantly, because the plants always look super healthy and strong. And that is exactly what I want when I purchase plants for either my clients or myself. All of the plants have been cared for and nurtured so that they have the best possible start, even before being transplanted into a garden to begin their new life.

You don’t have to belong to the Randwick City Council Area to visit or purchase from the nursery, but if you live further afield be sure to get online and search for a community council nursery in your area. You never know, you may just make a green discovery of your own.

Randwick City Council Community Garden is open 9.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday. The next open day will be held on Saturday 1st June 2013. It is one of four open days held throughout the year and is perfect for people wanting to visit but are unable to due to week day commitments.

Until next time

Carmel