The Blue Mountains' first community garden received a welcome boost this month when hardware chain Bunnings dropped off a healthy sized load of vegetable seedlings.
Bunnings Valley Heights activities organiser Caitlyn Palmer helped dig in the 20 punnets on Friday September 11, which included zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatoes and other vegetables.
They are destined eventually for the mouths of Katoomba's homeless with Blue Mountains Soul Kitchen -which has free hot meals for the needy on Sundays - once fully grown.
The Katoomba community garden is on 2.5 hectares in Harold Hodgson Park at 10 Victoria St in Katoomba and was established in 1992. It is on council-owned land and provides a welcome source of locally grown vegetables for any struggling families.
Bunnings Valley Heights store manager, Mark Schoonderwalt said the team members "enjoyed working with local volunteers for the Blue Mountains organic community garden, planting a range of vegetables which will go to supporting the Blue Mountains Soul Kitchen".
"The team is always happy to provide hands-on support to projects that benefit the wider community."
Volunteer Lynn Harvison, who spends about 15 hours a week in the community garden, said the bulk supply from Bunnings would give the community group a great kickstart to spring planting.
"It will get it all happening and producing for spring and summer," Ms Harvison said.
She said the community garden was the perfect place for those who love to garden and want to make new friends.
"It's a beautiful place to walk, to have weddings, and there is a lot of safe play space for children."
Anyone interested in volunteering can call Lynn on 0452 176 763.
