Feature Clubhouse Progam: Soul Gardening

Written by Leslie L

What is it about gardening that calls to people? Wellness has been linked to gardening in many a book!

Toowoomba Clubhouse has a blessing in that it has a garden area that was here at its conception and over 20 years has been a quiet space for many a soul to feel productive and find purpose in their journey of recovery. Stepping Stones Clubhouse, another Clubhouse in Queensland is situated in a concrete industrial area. When I went to training there I very much felt the loss of that quiet green space, as like most large cities of the world there was an excess of concrete.

In the past here at the Toowoomba Clubhouse the gardens existed as a functioning home garden, and the main lesson was how to feed yourself well if you gardened. The Paddock to Plate philosophy meant the main lunch time meal was packed full of the freshest produce straight from the garden.

The Garden team activities spanned from sowing by the lunar calendar, to when to prune the fruit trees, and how to harvest olives and store them. All these gave elements of challenge, new adventure and team spirit. And there are still whispers of pride as members say “let’s enter the Carnival of Flowers”. Toowoomba’s fame rests on being the garden city.

Now a small but dedicated team of members are working together to reinstate a house garden. It’s during a drought of major proportions, so watering restrictions means sharing and a group get together over a cuppa and slice solves any issues that may arise. Plus we thankfully have two rainwater tanks which are usable. There’s a move to compost and recycle and a need for members to join us in turning this great space into their adventure play ground; as these things come into being and the dirt we come from and return to can enrich our lives each day. Come do some “Soul Gardening” with us, the team at Toowoomba clubhouse. And just maybe the Carnival of Flowers next September may have an award with our name on it.