We’ve just unveiled an exciting new addition to the landscape - a vibrant mural by Warrnambool artists Jimmi Buscombe and Sheridan Rose. This stunning artwork, adorning the garden's water tank and pavilion wall, serves as both an aesthetic enhancement and an educational tool, showcasing the rich biodiversity of our region.
The mural features an impressive array of native and pollinator-friendly plant species, including Native Pepperberry, Wattle, Wallaby Grass, Brachyscome Daisy, Banksia candle, Flax Lily, Cosmos, Sunflower, Borage, Rosemary, and Strawberry.
Interwoven among these are charming representations of local fauna, such as oversized Spotted Pardalote, Common Brown Butterfly, and Blue Banded Bee. The artwork also includes hidden creatures like a Lady Beetle, Garden Skink, and Brown Tree Frog, creating an engaging "I spy" element for visitors.
Community collaboration and artistic journey
This project is a testament to the power of community collaboration. The Sprouts Club, a popular after-school program, played a vital role in fundraising through the program delivery for several years. A donation from a garden member provided the final push needed to bring the project to fruition.
Jimmi Buscombe, known for his viral wombat mural and numerous public art installations, and Sheridan Rose generously provided some in-kind support of their artist's fee to make the project feasible for our not-for-profit charity budget.
Jimmi’s involvement in this project is a continuation of his artistic journey in East Warrnambool. In 2021, he painted a disused bus stop on Derby Street near the garden as part of the Let's Get Neighbourly program. "It's funny to be back here years after that mural, as I used the plants in the community garden as my inspiration for the bus stop mural" Buscombe reflected.
Educational impact and community engagement
Heather Ryan, Sprouts Club Coordinator, emphasised the importance of connecting children with nature and food production. "Teaching the younger generation to care for plants and creatures is vital for fostering a sense of stewardship towards our environment," she stated.
“The Sprouts Club uses nature itself as a classroom, helping children learn about gardening and the intricate relationships between plants and animals.”
The after-school sessions are held weekly on Wednesday afternoons, aligning with the Garden Market, and special school holiday sessions further enrich the learning experience.
Visiting the garden
The new mural bolsters the garden's appeal as a community hub, complementing existing features such as private and communal plots, bush food areas, herb patch, and a dedicated kids' garden. We invite residents and visitors alike to see this new artistic addition anytime the gates are open and explore the various programs on offer.
Find out how you get involved with the Warrnambool Community Garden, including volunteering, donating or hiring a plot.
This project not only beautifies the garden but also serves as a powerful tool for education and community engagement, fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.
Here’s a detailed list of the flora and fauna depicted in the mural, along with their benefits:
Native Pepperberry (Tasmannia lanceolata)
A shrub native to southeastern Australia, recognized for its aromatic leaves and small berries. Provides habitat for wildlife and has culinary uses; its berries can be used as a spice, adding flavor to dishes.
Wattle (Acacia spp.)
A diverse group of flowering plants known for their bright yellow flowers and feathery foliage. Important for soil health and erosion control; serves as food for native birds and insects, enhancing local biodiversity.
Wallaby Grass (Amphibromus spp.)
A perennial grass native to Australia, often found in open woodlands and grasslands. Provides ground cover that prevents soil erosion and supports local fauna by offering habitat.
Brachyscome Daisy (Brachyscome spp.)
Small flowering plants with vibrant purple or white daisies that bloom in spring and summer. Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Banksia Candle (Banksia spp.)
A species of Banksia characterized by its distinctive cylindrical flower spikes that attract nectar-feeding birds. Provides food for wildlife and supports biodiversity; its woody seed pods create habitat for various species.
Flax Lily (Dianella spp.)
A perennial plant with long, strap-like leaves and blue flowers that bloom in spring.Offers food for native birds and insects; its fibrous leaves can be used for weaving, promoting sustainable practices.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
An annual flowering plant known for its colorful blooms that attract various pollinators. Enhances garden aesthetics while attracting beneficial insects that support pollination.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
A tall plant with large yellow flowers that turn to follow the sun, known for its seeds. Provides seeds that are a food source for birds; attracts pollinators and adds visual interest to gardens.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Herb with star-shaped blue flowers, often used in culinary dishes and herbal remedies. Attracts pollinators; its leaves can be used in salads or as a herbal remedy, promoting health benefits.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
An aromatic herb with needle-like leaves commonly used in cooking. Attracts bees; has culinary uses and medicinal properties, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
A popular fruit-bearing plant known for its sweet red berries that are enjoyed worldwide. Provides nutritious edible fruits; attracts various pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity.
Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus)
A small, colourful bird known for its distinctive spots and sweet song. Plays a role in insect control as it feeds on pests; contributes to the ecosystem's health through its presence.
Common Brown Butterfly (Heteronympha merope)
A widespread butterfly species recognized by its brown wings adorned with orange spots. Acts as a pollinator; serves as an indicator of a healthy environment due to its sensitivity to habitat changes.
Blue Banded Bee (Amegilla cingulata)
A native bee distinguished by its blue bands on the abdomen. Important pollinator for many plants, especially those that require buzz pollination, enhancing fruit production.
Lady Beetle (Coccinellidae family)
Also known as ladybugs, these beetles are beneficial insects commonly found in gardens. Natural pest control agents that feed on aphids and other harmful insects, promoting healthy plant growth.
Garden Skink (Lampropholis guichenoti)
A small lizard commonly found in gardens, characterized by its smooth scales and agile movements. Helps control insect populations; serves as prey for larger animals in the ecosystem, maintaining the food web balance.
Brown Tree Frog (Litoria ewingii)
A small frog known for its adaptability to various environments across Australia. Acts as both predator and prey within the food web; helps control insect populations while contributing to biodiversity.
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