The story so far
Inspired by local history, a deep sense of gratitude for the unique community and environment in which we live and the urgent need for action on climate change, this is the story of a dream coming true.
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My home, known as the ‘Old Headmaster’s Cottage’ at 35 Station Rd Otford was built in 1909 by Arthur Gilchrist (Gilly), the then Principal of Otford Public School. He also established an ‘Experimental Farm’ to teach his students how to grow vegetables and fodder crops for the isolated community. His work seeded the idea for Gilly’s Kitchen Garden.
2018-2020
The project started in 2018 with the acquisition of the site. Having mapped out our plan for a productive permaculture garden, we started work by planting the first tree in 2019.
In 2020 earthworks began and we got to work with soil amendments, nets and the planting of the annual beds. Our first bag of veggies went out to friends in July! We added more trees, water tanks, a worm farm plus mulch and seedlings every week and endlessly turned the compost!
We’ve come a long way…
Swales in the annual beds were converted to terraces, a polytunnel built, irrigation and creek-line installed, amendments done, new compost bins made, and chook yard created.
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We also provided produce fresh from the markets for 50 local families, helped Otford Public School with renewing their growing space, trialled our "Seasonally Yours" program for backyard growers, kicked off a "Bite Sized" garden blitz program and helped establish the "Illawarra Edible Garden Trail" through Food Fairness Illawarra!
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Next Step...
The exciting next step is to support local businesses, community organisations and government agencies to spread the word about Permaculture and how it can transform communities into resilient hubs for sustainable living. See our project supporting UoW in developing the next generation of Food Warriors through our Seasonally Yours program!
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For more information please call Claudia on 4294 3358
or email hello@gillyskitchengarden.com.au