The Margaret River Organic Garden committee has launched a special project aimed at collating the stories, photographs and memories of the community facility.
Elizabeth Whiteman, who is leading the project to gather as many local and regional stories about the park, said the Margaret River community excelled at retaining the region’s history.
“This is what we do best, sharing our stories and gathering memories to continue on these traditions and keep the history of Margaret River alive,” Ms Whiteman said.
“This garden has been immensely important for so many families in town and even people from outside the region who regard it as a real sanctuary in the middle of the busy town.
“It would be lovely to have as many submissions as possible of all types of memories, stories, testimonials and photographs from the thousands of people who have held events, gatherings, classes and meetings at the garden as well as those who have had a hand in tending to it, and developing it over the years.”
Ms Whiteman is part of a small team of volunteers who operate the Saturday cafe, contributing delicious cakes and cuppa-making skills.
“Standing here each weekend we hear so many stories from people remembering the first time they visited, or a particular celebration they might have attended here.
“I can only imagine how many people have been impacted by this space if the number of regulars we see is anything to go by.”
Enjoying a cup of tea and a piece of homemade cake at the Organic Garden Cafe on Saturday morning, local Karen Majer said the garden was essential to the “beating heart of the community.”
“A garden is something that relies on time and care, it is the product of years and years of work from countless hands,” Ms Majer said.
“The different aspects of this garden with all it’s little corners and dedications, it really is a combined effort from an entire community and it belongs to all of us.
“We should be very proud to have such an amazing place in our community.”
Committee secretary Sharyn Carroll said some members of the public may not be aware of the role the garden played in the town and that the project would allow locals to share their love of the park with the uninitiated.
“Often people can drive right past it, or not realise how large the garden is.”
“It is used by every possible sector of the community, from nature play sessions with children to photography students, VIPs visiting the town are brought here, there are tai chi and yoga groups who hold classes in the garden weekly.
“Of course there is the cafe every Saturday morning which brings lots of regulars, people passing from the Farmers Market and others who have been told to visit by friends.”
Ms Whiteman said the design and structure of the garden, including the plants and artworks, were the result of input from many community members.
“The beauty of the Organic Garden is there is no boss – this is not the vision of one single person or even one group of people,” she said.
“That’s something that can’t be manufactured, and it would never be the same without that ongoing attention from local people.
“It’s pretty special, really. Not many tourist centres have something so authentic and honest and open to everyone in the dead centre of town.”
There is potential for the contributions to be collated into a publication at a later date, and the group’s Facebook page will serve as a collection of memories and images.
“People can submit their stories and pictures directly to the Facebook page, or they can email me directly if they prefer.
“We want to make this as easy as possible for as many people to contribute to the collection; over so many years of working on this place I expect there must be hundreds and hundreds of people who could tell us what the garden means to them, and why they enjoy it so much.”
To submit your photos, stories and memories of the Margaret River Organic Garden, visit www.facebook.com/Margaret-River-Organic-Garden-Inc.
Submissions can also be made by email to elizabethclairewhiteman@gmail.com.
Information on the garden including plans, history, how to volunteer, or to find out how you can use the Organic Garden visit www.organicgardenpark.com.au
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
