A SIGN of appreciation has been planted in the airside garden at Coffs Harbour Airport, noting the decades of work provided by the volunteer members of Coffs Harbour Garden Club.
Members of the club have been tending the gardens since 1996, weeding, pruning and planting during their monthly working bees.
Coffs Harbour Airport management provided the sign in a show of thanks for the group’s dedication to beautifying the airport arrivals area.
“It’s unique and provides a beautiful first impression as passengers arrive at Coffs Harbour Airport,” the airport’s Chief Executive Officer Craig Shaw told News Of The Area.
Attending the celebratory morning tea on site was guest of honour Pat Roser OAM, Coffs Harbour Garden Club Patron and Life Member, who was among the first team volunteers in 1996.
“The garden was very different in those days, at the old site, where we had annuals planted which means lots of weeding,” Ms Roser told NOTA.
“We just arrived at the garden and got on with the job, no security or high-viz vests like today, and we saw up-close all the arrivals, sometimes celebrities and local politicians, and they often commented on the garden.”
The Garden Club coordinator for the project is Noeline Sell, who thrives on the role.
The aim is to have high impact and low maintenance, she said.
“Our focus is on tropical plants, with lots of crotons and bromeliads, many of which come in through cuttings from our members.”
Thanks especially go to donors Elaine Woods and Rhonda Daniels.
Ms Sell is gleeful that the new plantings have thwarted the hungry hares who have been eating the plants.
“We have worked out that they don’t like bromeliads,” Ms Sell said.
The rain in recent months has helped the garden’s growth.
“Everything is growing well; the colours are looking good,” she said, standing back with a smile.
The airport garden team has nine volunteers, with five to seven taking turns to attend once a month on Saturday afternoons, weather permitting.
Their job is to keep the area looking tidy and attractive, while the airport staff do the heavy work, including mulching.
“We would love a few more volunteers,” Ms Sell said.
By way of tempting applications, she said, “After work we have the best afternoon tea you’ll get anywhere for $2.”
By Andrea FERRARI
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
