The Barker St carpark community garden opened in 2019 and has been maintained by dedicated volunteering staff and students known as the UNSW Urban Growers group. UNSW Urban Growers is a staff and student group focused on creating and maintaining new green food growing spaces across the UNSW campuses, offering everyone the chance to learn, teach, research, and reconnect with nature.
On a chilly afternoon in July, 15 enthusiastic staff and students from various faculties and divisions came together for our winter working bee. Armed with gardening gloves and plenty of team spirit, they cleared away overgrown plants, trimmed the fruit trees, harvested fresh lemons, and topped up the garden beds with rich, new soil—all in preparation for the upcoming spring planting.
The garden is open to everyone, anytime. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful lunch at the picnic table, explore the variety of plants, or take a break from your busy day to do a bit of gardening, you’re always welcome. Right now, you’ll find a lovely mix of plants including climbing jasmine, pomegranates, lemon balm and holy basil (perfect for tea), galangal, and a cover crop mix.
Interested in joining the next gardening session? Join our Microsoft Teams Group or email Dr. Sophia Lin (sophia.lin@unsw.edu.au). Mark your 15th of October - we’re planning a big spring planting session to kickstart a bountiful summer harvest and celebrate World Food Day.
Register for the next gardening session here.
