Bringing the VASS Food Forest to life
The sun was shining down on our Ventilator Assisted Support Service (VASS) as residents, their families and supporters of the VASS Food Forest gathered for our first planting day!
About the Food Forest planting day
The VASS Food Forest, a philanthropically funded project, has been under construction since we turned the sod in January – transforming an unutilised area into a beautiful oasis, to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents.
The Food Forest is a joint venture between Yooralla and Global Gardens of Peace (GGoP). It will be a refreshing change of environment for VASS residents that balances their hours spent indoors, as they depend on life support equipment such as mechanical ventilators for breathing and wheelchairs for mobility.
After the first few months of construction, it was time for everyone to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to bring the Food Forest to life!
They say many hands make light work, and that was certainly the case as VASS residents, their families, Yooralla Foundation members, Yooralla staff and GGoP members, as well as Rotary Club Preston supporters planted more than 200 plants in under a half an hour.
You can check out some of the highlights below.
View our pics
This planting day was the first of many that will occur as construction continues on the VASS Food Forest.
The garden is expected to be completed in August just in time for more planting in the warmer spring months and will feature raised garden beds, vertical plants and espaliered fruit trees that will fill the planned oasis, which will also feature weatherproof seating areas, water features and more for residents, and those who are on temporary short-term accommodation (respite) stays.
Follow the VASS Food Forest project on Social Media
Keep up to date with us on Social media to see the progress of the Food Forest.