GroundSwell is an environmental group, based in Largs Bay, Adelaide. Simon Forrest, founder of the group, created his own verge garden in his neighbourhood a few years ago. This created a ripple effect in his neighbourhood, with GroundSwell members, Alex and Brooke, following his example. They loved the concept so much that they wanted to share it with their community, resulting in the formation of GroundSwell.
GroundSwell’s verge garden initiative has coloured the streets of Largs Bay and beyond. The gardens have transformed the dull spaces between public footpaths and roads to beautifully diverse gardens. The team does everything; marking and digging up the verge, putting down edging, irrigation systems, adding soil and mulch and planting seedlings. GroundSwell is entirely volunteer- run, with grants from the Port Adelaide Enfield Council covering the costs of materials.
Their work has sky-rocketed in the past two years, with over fifty applications in 2020 from locals requesting their service. Only the top 14 applications could be accepted due to the small team’s limited capacity. As of October 2020, GroundSwell have completed 22 verge gardens and will have completed 28 by the end of the year. The gardens bring vibrancy to neighbourhoods and allow the community to share their love of nature.
Tim Walsh
20 Nov 2020‘Great profile of brilliant initiative to re-value our shared assets – the footpath! Would love to see some trees incorporated sometimes for the additional benefits of shading our streets and walkways.’
portenvirocentre
21 Nov 2020Thanks for the feedback Tim! GroundSwell truly is doing great work for our local community. I agree, trees are an excellent addition to the footpath and help to alleviate the effects of urban heat. What a wonderful idea, I would be ecstatic to see some fig trees popping up in the neighbourhood!