The retiree is an avid gardener and jumped at the chance to have a plot of his own, growing vegetables on the rich, black loamy flats of the flood plain.

Since the community garden opened he’s become good mates with Rod McRobert, who just happens to live only a few metres from its main gates.

“I was retired,” he said. “Well, that was until I spoke with Bobby Bourke about the garden. Now I work very hard. I come down every morning, especially now the warmer weather is here.

“Everything I grows goes to the Op Shop to give away. I am a retired chef, so I specialise in making jams, pickles and chutneys.

“This summer we’re going all out with tomatoes, but we’ve also got zucchinis, corn, spuds, silver beet, cabbages, chilli and even passionfruits, but they aren’t going too well.

“My doctor says getting involved with the community garden is the best thing I ever did.”

Mr McRobert said he keeps on eye on things when the garden’s unattended.

“It’s handy living so close,” he said. “This is a great idea and is much better than the area being covered with weeds like it used to be.”