Wollondilly’s newest community garden has been opened. Dilly’s Patch Community Garden in Silverdale was unveiled last month and is a joint partnership between Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre (WSNC) and Wollondilly Shire Council.

The garden was officially opened on Tuesday 13th April by Lee Hodder, Community Development Manager of Warragamba Neighbourhood Centre (WSNC), with Councillor Judith Hannan and Councillor Matt Gould from Wollondilly Shire Council on hand for the day’s festivities.

It was attended by families young and old who were treated to gardening workshops from Bunnings and bead keychain making with the Healing Through Art program by Big Yellow Umbrella.

Dilly’s Patch consists of two 15m long gardens that can grow an array of herbs, fruits, and vegetables all year round.

“There is so much more to a community garden then gardening (which of course is very important). It also fosters good health, creates a sense of belonging and connection, a sense of purpose, it can empower, reduce isolation, and supports lifelong learning. This garden will bring together people of all walks of life and we hope it becomes an important part of our local community” explained Lee from WSNC.

“It has been a journey and definitely an honour to watch the work that has taken place by our many volunteers and sponsors to create what we have so far. I will now enjoy watching it grow into a beautiful and functional community garden by the staff and volunteers that will nurture it” Lee continued.

Lee and her team at WSNC would like to thank the following sponsors, which include Wollondilly Shire Council, Drillers United, Hayters Timber, Silverdale Sand and Soil, Botanica Nurseries, DK and RJ Woods Earthmoving, Bunnings Warehouse Narellan and Penrith, Nick’s Deli, Guana Graffix and Warragamba Hardware.

Just as important are the hard-working volunteers: Robert Marshall and Megan, Rod and Hellen Dillion, Carmen and Joe Chetcuti, Glenn Stephens, Maree Cummings, Carli, Sandra and Amanda and Jacob and Kimberley from Horse and Harpy.

Weekly working bees will continue each Tuesday from 9:00am-11:00am. Register to be a volunteer or find out more from Lee at WSNC on 4774 1273.