Sustainability
The Secret Garden is focused on developing within the community and demonstrating a sustainable approach for all to build on in our community. Sustainable practices are integral to the Garden and the learning and demonstration opportunities underpin our future direction. Courses and training workshops are provided for school students, university students, community members and people with a disability at varying days and times throughout the week.
The Secret Garden appreciates the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to managing the garden and nursery in the following ways:
- We encourage the use of permaculture practices to create healthy landscapes with organic produce.
- We provide a range of educational workshops with an environmental focus. For more information click here.
- We protect life in soils through the use of natural mulch and compost (made on site).
- We aim to reduce waste, recycle and re-use materials. The garden is filled with art from re-purposed items displayed as decorative pots and sculptures. The garden is always happy to take donations of garden tools, building materials, items which can be re-purposed and landscaping materials. If you can help with this in any way, please call our head office 02 9686 4155 to arrange delivery.
- We use recycled water from the Western Sydney University where possible and this is used overnight to minimise evaporation. Water is collected into the landscaped dam on site.
- Food waste is recycled through worm farms and to supplement food for our livestock (poultry, ducks, goats and sheep).
- Nursery practices include the use of recycled pots (provided as donations from visitors).
- North West Disability Services continue to research opportunities to grow their sustainable practices, including sourcing sustainable energy and learning programs.
If you require any further information or have questions about our sustainability projects please get in touch by calling 02 9686 4155.
