Sunshine, live music, pizza in hand and kids darting between garden beds – Xmas in the Gardens returned last Saturday and once again reminded us why this event has become a favourite on the community’s calendar.
More than 100 locals from area came together in the gardens to share an easygoing afternoon with neighbours and friends. Live music from Phil Howell and Luke Bennett set the tone, while kids took off on a garden treasure hunt, planted seedlings in the bee garden and lined up to say hello to Santa. The Fastest Runner on Clifford St race (now in its 24th year – shout out to Damo for continuing this amazing community tradition!) added a burst of energy, laughter and some very serious sprinting.
There was plenty to refuel with too, thanks to pizza and herbal iced tea, and for the second year in a row, Shara Community Gardens t-shirts made an appearance, screen printed by hand and quickly snapped up.
The event also marked the end of a big year for the gardens. In 2025, Shara Community Gardens received two significant grants from the Ingrained Foundation and Byron Shire Council. Their support helped deliver five new garden beds and the planting of more than 100 new plants in recent months, including new spaces for kids to learn about growing and caring for the garden.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Ingrained Foundation and Byron Shire Council for their support of the gardens and of Xmas in the Gardens, and to everyone who came along to make the afternoon feel relaxed, welcoming and friendly.
As the year winds down, Xmas in the Gardens continues to be a chance to slow down, reconnect and enjoy the shared space together. If you’d like to get involved – whether that’s planting, helping out at a working bee or simply spending time in the gardens – we’d love to see you there.
Join as a member here or contact us for more info: sharagardens@gmail.com
Shara Community Gardens 