Rae’s garden oasis

Published: 

2 December 2024 3:25PM

'I love gardening. It’s just relaxing to get out there, especially in the late afternoon. I just go out when I can and potter around, and plant other cuttings.'

Rae’s green thumb helped transform a former industrial site into a garden oasis, and earned her first place in the Waterwise Garden category for the 2023 My Home Awards in the Maryborough region. She was also named runner-up in the Communal Garden category.

'If anybody comes past and says, "Oh, that’s pretty", I say, "Oh, here you can have this pot, it’s got a cutting of that one in it.’’’

The social housing complex Rae calls home was the site of the historic Croydon Foundry, which operated until 1968.

'There’s a lot of slag, like a black hard rock, still from the foundry. It’s only hard, strong shrubs that will grow in the garden, and everything else I have in pots. It’s all covered in hay mulch, so it holds the water and I don’t have to do any weeding,’’ she said.

Rae has not only created a personal haven but also a space that brings joy to others in a communal area near her unit. Shaded by 2 large trees, her neighbours are able to enjoy elkhorns, succulents, bromeliads, crow’s nest ferns and small shrubs.

'All the gardens here are looking fantastic at the moment,' Rae said.

My Home Awards

The My Home Awards celebrate connections to home, community and culture and the positive contributions of Queensland public housing tenants.

The awards encourage tenants to keep active, connect with their neighbours and community, and share their stories and creativity.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.