Meet the Gardener: Plot 42

Interview with Maurice Robson, plot number 42.

Introduce yourself 

A retired UN diplomat working in education sector development and former teacher at Deakin University and Toorak Teachers’ College.

What inspired you to join the community garden and how long have you been a member?

Joined the garden five years ago because I was running out of space in my own garden due to overshadowing eucalypts providing shade and robbing the soil of nutrients. I have since started growing at home in large pots which can be moved into sunnier locations in my garden.

What do you like to grow?

I use a 4 bed rotation system with a fifth bed solely devoted to rhubarb. I have had most success with beans (dwarf and climbing), rhubarb, beetroot and potatoes.

What has been a challenge in your plot?

I like to grow garlic and onions but have had less success with them, and even less so with carrots! I tried several times in what I thought was friable soil but seemed to grow most unattractive carrots!

Why do you enjoy gardening?

Gardening is a soul-nurturing activity! Whilst often solitary, it is so special to work quietly and to find peace when all about me is business, noise and bustle!

What are you excited to grow next?

I have not given up on carrots and plan to grow more flowers in the garden. I also would like to plant asparagus and more flowers!! I have found that a mass or dense planting of flowers and vegetable creates a microclimate which seems beneficial to whatever I am trying to grow.