Held on the June long weekend, in line with the Mega Markets, the Gloucester Community Garden committee invited everyone to come to Gloucester District Park on Saturday June 12.

After project was approved by MidCoast Council in March, the committee decided to get the community involved right at the start of the project - hence the Foundation Day idea.

Using the markings laid out by the council surveyor for the initial space as per the plan, the committee put up bunting highlight the area where the gardens will lie, beside the croquet club and between the pool and the tennis court.

"We'd had a working bee on Tuesday to install the first of our three wicking beds and a herb spiral. So we had a few things to show people," committee member Pat Burrows explained.

"On the day, John Thorpe welcomed us to Country and surprised us with a couple of jokes before planting our first fruit tree - a lilly pilly."

MidCoast councillor Katheryn Smith congratulated the group on its efforts and also planted a tree - a dwarf mulberry.

Together, John, Katheryn and Pat unveiled the community garden sign carved out of a slab of wood. At the moment, the sign has been placed on a temporary stand with plans to have it permanently installed at the entrance of the garden.

After all the official business, visitors to the garden were encouraged to wander around the space. There was an information table for people to learn more about the garden and how to become a member and a demonstration on how a wicking bed is constructed.

People could plant a seedling, enjoy a selection of biscuits and drinks or join in a few old-fashioned games such as egg and spoon race, sack race and tug of war.

"About 70 people attended, including many who signed up as members," Pat said. "We now have around 50 members, which is an ideal number for the space we have."

New members were given a gift of a painted stone to enjoy at home or place in a unique spot around town.