MEDIA RELEASE - Cultivate your gardening passion at Council’s Community Nursery Open Day

Sutherland Shire Council is calling all green thumbs, nature lovers, and aspiring garden enthusiasts to embrace their budding passion for gardening at the upcoming spring open day at Council’s Community Nursery.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of this ever-growing event, promising an abundance of native plant treasures for both perusal and purchase from the Gymea nursery.

As the vibrant hues of spring start to bloom, residents are reminded there is no better moment to breathe new life into the garden with a selection of stunning native plant species. Council’s Community Nursery open day is set to once again provide an ideal opportunity to discover a wide array of plants waiting for local gardeners to nurture, grow, and delight in at home.

With the latest iteration of this popular community event set to take place on Saturday 21 October, keen local gardeners will be invited to visit the nursery from 8am until 1pm, ensuring ample time for residents to join in the festivities and even collect two complimentary native seedlings. Families with children will be welcomed, with a colouring competition for ages 12 and under organised for submission on the day for a chance to win a worm farm.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, said he encouraged local garden gurus and aspiring nature nurturers to explore the remarkable diversity of native plant species available at the Community Nursery as part of the day. “We're thrilled to present a splendid assortment of native plants at the Community Nursery, ideal for enhancing local gardens and supporting various planting initiatives throughout our area.”

“Our friendly nursery staff are always ready to share their expertise and help you choose the perfect plants for your garden, with all plants carefully nurtured from seeds and cuttings gathered by our dedicated Council staff and Bushcare volunteers,” Mayor Pesce said.

With spring in full bloom, expert staff at Council’s Community Nursery are on hand to assist local residents to get their gardens in bloom for a vibrant summer ahead, with spring the perfect time to get gardens into gear. Questions will be welcomed with an information stand that will be manned by Council’s friendly and knowledgeable staff.

The addition of a few thoughtfully sourced native plants can not only provide an extra splash of colour to local gardens, but also play an important role in providing habitat for local wildlife. And with locally sourced native plants generally known for their resilience in both wet and dry conditions, they can provide a perfect low-maintenance addition to any local garden.

Local residents attending the open day will also be able to claim two free native seedlings to kickstart their spring planting, with attendees reminded to present the voucher from the July 2023 or previous years rates notices to claim their complimentary seedling.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring along a bag or box to transport any newfound native treasures they pick up on the day, with an additional reminder that the nursery operates on a cashless system and does not accept cash or checks.

For more information about this event, or what to expect before you make a visit to Council’s Community Nursery at 345 The Boulevarde, Gymea, please visit Community Nursery Open Day.