Lily Winzil and Marie Boden have doubled down on climate action at the Warrane Community Garden this summer. The gardening duo are growing tomatoes as part of a citizen science project coordinated by the ABC, exploring how new Canadian varieties take to the changing Tasmanian climate.
Climate champs’ sauce of Warrane community
Mrs Boden said the seedlings were grown by the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden and planted out last November.
“It’s been a tricky growing season outdoors — a very cool start,” she said.
“We are to report back on these new varieties noting taste, size, colour and growing habits.”
The pair have managed to turn the science project into friendly competition with Bucaan House Community Garden, who are also participating in the project.
“There are some fun categories like ‘weirdest shaped tomato’ and ‘tallest plant’, but we can’t share too many of our secrets,” Mrs Boden said.
Both keen advocates for increasing community resilience, Mrs Winzil and Mrs Boden are also helping to build community connection through other garden activities and events.
“We have a working bee each month with different jobs to complete,” Mrs Boden said, “weeding, transplanting, feeding, thinning out, picking surplus produce to share with the community — all interesting!
“I love the companionship over a cuppa at morning tea as well.
“Everyone is welcome!”
Mrs Winzil said the connection between Warrane Community Garden users is growing just as much as the garden.
“It has given me a stronger sense of community, which I missed because I grew up with that,” she said.
“In the garden you never stop learning; there’s always something new to deal with because the conditions change each year.
“And there is always creative inspiration on ways to prevent resources going to landfill, too.”
Mrs Winzil and Mrs Boden have been chosen by community group Clarence Climate Action as this month’s Climate Champions.
Learn more about the Warrane Community Garden.
Eastern Shore Sun, March 2022, page 11