An inspiring look at what can be achieved with an understanding of the climate and with community participation and cooperation

The small town of Iron Knob with a meagre 230mm (9 inch) average annual rainfall is classed as being in an arid environment, a classification not usually suited to productive gardening! However, with dedication, practical knowledge and working with the climatic conditions, the Iron Knob Community Garden produces a range of fresh vegetables throughout the seasons.

The birthplace of iron mining in Australia and once a BHP ‘company town’, in its heyday Iron Knob won a tidy town award and had three full-time gardeners employed by BHP. The Iron Knob Progress Association now manages town affairs and is developing a program to revamp the town around carbon offset projects (COP) and eco-tourism. Association members have played a big part in establishing the community garden and other facilities including improving the adjacent caravan park and the town surrounds with plantings of arid zone ornamental trees and shrubs.

The half-acre sized garden has a colourful history, beginning as a zoo for kangaroos and emus. Several new wicking beds, which make efficient use of water, have recently been added to a number of raised vegetable beds. A large tank holds rain water collected from a nearby shed which is supplemented with mains water from the Morgan Whyalla pipeline when necessary.

Using animal manures and organic compost enriched with carbon-storing biochar, the soil has been improved, allowing a wide variety of seasonal edibles to be grown in the cooler weather, and hardy crops like pumpkins in the extremely hot summers. An overhead grape vine system shades an area used for propagating plants and for growing in summer months.

The produce is available to town’s people and travellers through the local store.