Thirty five supporters of the Growing Comunity Market Garden project were treated to a magnificent Bhutanese feast at the riverside garden yesterday.

The weather was hot but the community chefs toned down the normally spicy Bhutanese curries especially for their guests. An al fresco lunch of curries and rice, chai and biscuits was prepared using the vegetables growing in the garden. A long table under shady gazebos, set with the garden on one side and the river on the other, was the perfect lunch venue.

President of the market garden project Radha Guragai thanked all of the businesses, groups and individual volunteers who have assisted to make this dream a reality. The project has reached a point where vegetables are now regularly harvested and sold at the Gatway Island Farmers Market and direct to the community.

Market Garden Rangers Rohit and Tilak are taking note of what grows well and what’s in demand, and the garden plantings will be adjusted accordingly. Currently the garden is producing zuccini, tomato, eggplant, radishes, bitter melon, chili, okra, beans and pumpkin – all grown organcially.

Equally celebrated is the success of the garden as a way to bring the Bhutanese community together and connect new migrants with the Albury-Wodonga community. The project has involved linking with local businesses, negotiating with authorities and working side by side with local volunteers from all walks of life.

See more about the Growing Community Market Garden on the SBS documentary here