With the help of a Grassroots Grant, Church of the Nativity in Aberfoyle Park turned a sandy patch of ground into a native garden. Here’s how.

The garden from the view of the front of Church of the Nativity. Their name in metal letters is on the front of the brick building. Some of the gumtrees are in the foreground and background and the digital billboard is in frame.

Church of the Nativity in Adelaide’s southern suburbs brought their community together to revitalise their grounds with the help of a Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant.

Read on for their inspiring story and tips for bring your own green vision to life.
Church of the Nativity's garden in Aberfoyle Park. A gravel path winds through the garden which is covered with bark and dotted with native plants, and some gum trees along the fenceline by the black pole fence. 3 wooden crosses are on display and some of the brick church s in the frame.

Why was this grant project important?

The grounds around the church in Aberfoyle Park had been patchy, sandy and dotted with weeds for a while, so members decided to fix it.

Fixing up this outdoor space would be not only inviting, but a great educational resource, for the 3 nearby schools.

The parish created paths, planted local native plants and is in the process of installing signage that acknowledges Kaurna Miyurna (People) and their traditional use of the plants.

With a 40-year history in Aberfoyle Park, the church and community has revitalised the space to be a place for contemplation, prayer and peace – more fitting for their connection with nature and each other.


How did the Grassroots Grant help?

The grant helped to bring in contractors to clear the weeds in the area, and covered the costs of irrigation and other equipment.

After contractors cleared the weeds, volunteers from the church, School of the Nativity and 2 other primary schools undertook the big task of preparing the garden and installing irrigation to make it easier to maintain the long-term.

The garden is now maintained and nurtured by the parish community including the Nativity School Gardening Club. They’re working on signage with QR codes to help people learn about the garden.

The garden from the view of the front of Church of the Nativity. Their name in metal letters is on the front of the brick building. Some of the gumtrees are in the foreground and background and the digital billboard is in frame.

Words of advice for future grant applicants

Top tips from Church of the Nativity are to:

  • be brave!
  • find each other’s strengths
  • involve the community – it’s good for everyone to see, and be part of, the benefits.

One of the parish members was skilled in grant writing and took the lead on the written side of the application. Others took the lead on organising the ground works, including the irrigation and preparing the garden.

The parish have done well to plan their project, look at the long-term to make it manageable, and get their community involved. One tip parishioner Sharyn passed on for those thinking about going for a Grassroots Grant is to ‘be brave’ in going for the grant and backing your project.

Church of the Nativity have made something wonderful by staying true to their idea, bringing their community together, and getting help through a Grassroots Grant.

You can too! Round 5 of our Grassroots Grants is open until 5 pm on 15 May 2024. Find out more on our grants webpage.

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