Sowing the seeds to green spaces

Gardens across Adelaide are blooming as Believe Housing Australia tenants from across the state showed off their green thumbs in our fifth annual gardening competition.

Believe Housing Australia tenant Josh, who participated in the competition, has always “dug” gardening.

“My garden, plants, and their pots have always been a great way for me to express myself,” Josh said.

“Caring for the garden and my environment has always been an excellent means to foster my mental health.”

While Josh won the best small garden category in the competition this year, he said he had won something even more valuable – housing security with Believe Housing Australia.

“Having a house to live in has given me space to grow as a person,” Josh said. “The plants are symbolic of my gratitude and continual growth as a person.”

Josh’s love for gardening has influenced his work as a mentor, educator, and behavioural therapist for young children in the mental health space.

“Planting seeds, nurturing seedlings, cultivating gardens, and planting personalised pots has become an integral part of the therapies and education I provide,” he said.

“As many of my clients come from a disadvantaged background like myself, it’s good to see them work through their difficult feelings and channel them into creating something beautiful.

“Seeing them experience the same joys and rewards that I get from gardening always puts a smile on my face.”

The gardening competition is not the only initiative to plant a love of gardening and nature among our tenants.

The Believe Housing Australia team has also created community gardens in some of our residential complexes, awarded tenants with Green Thumb Grants for gardening projects, and hosted community gardening workshops in partnership with Green Adelaide and Port Environment Centre.

Believe Housing Australia Placemaking and Area Improvement Officer Reem Zitawi said the community greening initiatives had helped enhance the presentation and liveability of tenants’ communities, while also providing other social benefits.

“Our commitment to creating thriving communities extends beyond housing,” Reem said.

“By nurturing green spaces and encouraging gardening, we inspire a sense of belonging, promote physical and mental well-being, and protect our planet for future generations.”