The convener of the central outdoor communal space is offering visitors the chance to learn how to ‘live better’.

Each Wednesday the patch of tendered earth opens its gates to the public for an afternoon of fresh produce, hot food, coffee, live music and locally produced sustainable products.

From 3pm to 7pm the space becomes a hive of activity as up to 15 stalls showcase their wares.

“There are berries, curries, music, bread, cheese, fruit and veg, honey, seeds, bags..” Ms Eagles said. “All spray-free and locally produced or grown within 200 kilometres of Warrnambool.

“When you taste the food here you’re tasting seasonal produce that is not packed and shipped before its optimal time. You can taste the difference.”

Ms Eagles said the weekly market also offered a chance for growers to share their skills and experience.

“It’s a chance to promote thinking about where your food comes from,” she said.

“And it’s a chance to talk about methods and pass on that learning.”

The first garden market was held on November 21.

Ms Eagles said they would continue every Wednesday until May.

“It’s going really well, we’ve had some great feedback.

“It’s a learning experience for us too but I have a feeling it will continue to grow in popularity.

“And with the new quarry set to transform soon things can only get better.”

The first earth was turned on the Grafton Road site in 2009.

Since then it has blossomed, now containing 59 plots tended by both individuals and communal groups.

“It has developed naturally, with some members conducting informal produce swaps as well.”

Volunteering to play music at Wednesday afternoon’s market, local musician Russ Goodear said the backdrop for his four-hour set was “hard-to-beat”.

“It’s like being in your grandma’s backyard,” he said. “It’s relaxing, it smells wonderful and it’s comfortable.”

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