Why I Love My Patch

This lovely piece was written by one of our gardeners, Bernee Lee, as her wonderful creative entry in the ‘Why I Love My Patch’ 2025 Grow It Local Awards. It’s worthy of being shared more widely. 

” They say you reap what you sow – but I never expected to harvest delight, wisdom and community from this cul-de-sac garden patch.

In January 2024 I joined my local community garden with a simple goal: to learn how to grow my own food, explore the possibility of a farm-to-table lifestyleand participate in the Willoughby City Council community.

One year later I’ve gained far more than just gardening know-how. My mind is buzzing with plant wisdom and literary gems shared over morning tea. My heart is full from digging, feasting and connecting with fellow gardeners. My body? Let’s just say spinning compost bins should count as a gym session. And my spirit? It’s thriving, thanks to the endless life metaphors hidden in the garden.

Then there’s harvest time – the pure joy of eating something we’ve nurtured from a tiny seed. And don’t even get me started on morning tea! Veteran gardeners not only share their wisdom but also serve up home-made treats that could rival any farm-to-table cafe.

Gardening has also reignited my creativity. Now I find myself capturing produce portraits turned into art that sparks joy – snapshots of the hands that sow and nature provides.

This is why I love my patch. It’s not just about growing food – it’s about sowing good seeds, both in the soil and in the community. It nurtures our well-being, our planet, and each other. In return, this patch keeps giving back.”