In February residents of the Torton Place complex in Penrith participated in a hanging basket beautification activity at the Casa Bella community centre, located within the complex.
Nepean Community and Neighbourhood Services received funding from Penrith City Council through a community grant. The covered outdoor community area was identified as a suitable project space and to finish the event, a fully catered meal was provided.
Elizabeth from Community Greening had earlier prepared a hanging basket, inspired by a traditional English pub basket, to show residents how their baskets will eventually look once their baskets have matured. Sphagnum moss was used to line the baskets for its capacity to hold water and reduce the stress on the plants.
Three residents had a basket each to create and were encouraged along by other residents. John, Jay and Paula used the sphagnum moss, water crystals and potting mix to build plant layers around the sides of the baskets. Included in the baskets were strawberries, sedums, portulaca and finished with ivy geraniums.
The hanging basket creations, along with the one Elizabeth made, looked very smart hanging from hooks in the shaded area. As residents came to chat and enjoy the catered lunch they admired the baskets and were inspired to do more to beautify their common areas. John, Jay and Paula were very proud of their handy work.