Hi Landcarers

We are pleased to be commencing work on the PAC Park Waterwise Garden on Saturday, 12 May.

Have you been promising some time with mum for Mother’s Day? This is your opportunity to put your time where your mouth is! Together with Parkes Shire Council and with funds contributed through NorthParkes Community Investment Program, we will be holding a community planting morning commencing at 10am.

North Parkes Mine support initiatives which contribute to the Parkes and Forbes local government areas in the following categories: economic development, culture and recreation, education and youth, environment and health.

The Waterwise Garden (at the rear of BP, off Butler Lane) was established nearly 20 years ago and over that time has fallen into disrepair, which can often happen with areas like this when a key volunteer or person driving a project leaves and there aren’t structures in place to continue the momentum of the original project. Watering systems have been destroyed and other vandalism happening in the area over the years. Council undertook works in the garden late last year to remove some of the existing structures and plants that were no longer required and provide a platform for new plantings to compliment the area.

The plantings that remain will be maintained to provide clear line of sight through the Park, to decrease the risk of vandalism and it is hoped that installation of security cameras will be part of further works in the area to provide a safe and accessible area for families to explore.

Seating is also planned for the area. This will provide a comfortable space for people to observe birds, or just sit and relax. Due to the established plants in the garden and along the two waterways either side of the Park, there is always a good mix of bird species to be found in the area.

The existing line of Claret Top Melaleucas are currently flowering and keeping the bees busy. If you are a bit weary of these little guys, check out our Instagram page for some pics.

Council have included this garden in their overall plan for PAC Park refurbishment and whilst the area has been restructured and simplified, the focus will still be on having a space that is aesthetically pleasing, water efficient and has a focus on native plants.

Species will include Wilga, Weeping Myall, Poa, Salt Bush, Myoporum debilis, Eremophila and Dianella. If you are interested in viewing the plan, it is available via the Central West Lachlan Landcare facebook page or Parkes Shire Website.

If you would like to join us on Saturday, you will need to bring some gardening gloves, a hat and water. We would love to have families with us, but please remember that the Park has waterways on two sides and adult supervision is required. Text your RSVP to 0418 611 053, so that we make sure we have enough tools for everyone.

The garden, forms part of the walkway that follows the PAC Park waterway leading down to the wetland area where significant earthworks and replanting has been undertaken over the past two years by volunteers, local schools, businesses and community groups.

A few tips for keeping your garden waterwise: Choose the right plants and soil; compost, water the base of the plan, not the leaves; place plants with similar water requirements near each othe; mulch; and native varieties should require less water (do your research).

For more information about anything in this article, please contact Central West Lachlan Landcare on 02 6862 4914, cwllpo@hotmail.com, facebook or our website at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org

 Until next week, happy Landcaring!