Eta Brand – YCG President
On Wednesday 14th October it was our great privilege to welcome the Gardening Australia team to our community garden. There had been significant planning to make the day a positive experience for special guests Costa Geordiadis and Jerry Coleby-Williams. The ABC Gardening horticultural specialist was involved in the choice of plants. These plants would be relevant when the filming of the gardens is aired in February 2027. The filming started at 6am to catch the special morning light.
It was interesting observing how the ABC Gardening producer was very careful to pay attention to the language, use of words, sentence flow and tone and delivery of the lines. When we watch the show we see a finished product. We don’t always know how much goes into making an episode of Gardening Australia. We were very aware of keeping any interrupting sounds to a minimum. Car doors closing, trucks going along the main road required many retakes. Our YCG volunteers stayed out of the way of the crew. We could watch from the sidelines.
Morning tea was a special event. Our special guests enjoyed a break and teatime treats
We had Jerry help us discern between the two types of Davidson Plum tree. NSW and QLD varieties. We needed to place our new signs at the correct tree.
After tea we all gathered for a group photo.
Then back to work for the volunteers and the Gardening Australia team. A lunch break and then the focus on planting out XXX Greek Basil, Soft leaf Basil, Tulsi Basil (the real one!), Red leaf Basil Garlic Chives, and Green and Red Cos Lettuce.
Costa and Jerry planted out an area that had many months of mulching. They checked out compost set aside for their use in the preparation for planting.
It was interesting observing how the ABC Gardening producer was very careful to pay attention to the language, use of words, sentence flow and tone and delivery of the lines. When we watch the show we see a finished product. We don’t always know how much goes into making an episode of Gardening Australia. We were very aware of keeping any interrupting sounds to a minimum. Car doors closing, trucks going along the main road required many retakes. Our YCG volunteers stayed out of the way of the crew. We could watch from the sidelines.
PHOTO 2
Morning tea was a special event. Our special guests enjoyed a break and teatime treats. Cakes – and Ginger Cookies XXX
PHOTO 3
We had Jerry help us discern between the two types of Davidson Plum tree. NSW and QLD varieties. We needed to place our new signs at the correct tree.
PHOTO 4
Costa and Jerry planted out an area that had many months of mulching. They checked out compost set aside for their use in the preparation for planting.
PHOTO 5
After tea we all gathered for a group photo.
PHOTO 6
Then back to work for the volunteers and the Gardening Australia team. A lunch break and then the focus on planting out XXX Greek Basil, Soft leaf Basil, Tulsi Basil (the real one!), Red leaf Basil Garlic Chives, and Green and Red Cos Lettuce.
PHOTO 7 – Before planting
PHOTO 8 – After planting
After the plantings Costa and Jerry shared some thoughts … with a cup of tea made from ginger, lemon balm and apple mint. We saved a few cookies …
PHOTO 9
All in all, what a wonderful opportunity to showcase what we are doing and what we have achieved in our gardens. Our sincere thank you to all of our volunteers who often work quietly and persistently getting things done. Yandina Community Gardens is on the map that is for sure. Please visit our gardens. Join as a member. Enjoy the magical place we are creating. Visit on Saturdays and Tuesdays 8.30am to midday. Bring a friend.