Over recent months, Shara Community Gardens has undergone a significant upgrade, made possible through the support of the Ingrained Foundation and Byron Shire Council, and the generosity of our volunteers.
The project began with the removal of two ageing garden beds and the installation of five new raised beds, refreshed with high-quality soil and designed to better support long-term growing. Two of these beds are dedicated to the Ocean Shores Preschool, strengthening our connection with the local community and supporting early learning about food and the environment.
Following the upgrade, our community came together for a Planting Day, where more than 100 new plants were added to the Gardens. These included a mix of bush tucker species, local rainforest plants, fruit trees and kitchen garden favourites, carefully chosen to suit the site and contribute to a more resilient and productive garden.
These improvements are about more than aesthetics. The new beds and plantings are part of a sustainable approach to maintaining the Gardens — improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and creating a layout that is easier for volunteers to care for over time. This helps ensure the Gardens remain productive, welcoming and manageable for our growing community.
As always, this work was powered by volunteers who showed up with time, energy and a willingness to pitch in. Community projects like this rely on shared effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped bring the upgrade to life.
Watch this space — or better yet, get involved.
If you’d like to join our next gardening bee, be part of the watering roster, or contribute in other ways, we’d love to hear from you. You can join the Gardens or get in touch at sharagardens@gmail.com
A hug thanks to Ingrained Foundation and Byron Shire Council for their support of this project, as well as Bunnings for their community support.
Shara Community Gardens 