The Precinct Community Garden has developed into a beautiful green welcoming oasis for locals and is a shared space for the Playford Library’s Tree Tots Storytime in the Garden each week. Thursday 15 September saw the Playford Library and The Precinct host the Book Launch for Award Winning Author and Illustrator, Phil Cummings and Danny Snell with their collaboration ‘The Garden on Red Gum Road’.

Luck was on our side when the sun shone in lieu of the rainy weather we have experienced over the past few days. This gave the opportunity for the attendees to sit in the Community Garden while Phil Cummings read the book and Danny Snell illustrated the main character on an easel creating a unique experience for the families.

The session was in partnership with Raising Literacy Australia and publishers Little Book Press to promote the positives of a Community Garden to residents.

Cummings stated that he was inspired to write a book about Community Gardens when he came across one a few years ago in Melbourne.

“I stopped and watched the wonderful community engagement and was inspired by the interactions of all those visiting. I immediately made notes … when I arrived home, I started developing the idea for a book”, Cummings recalls fondly.

The launch was opened by Elizabeth Davis the CEO of Raising Literacy and included a music performance by San Ureshi (Zhao Liang, Satomi Ohnishi and David Dai) who supported the Playford Library Children’s Library Officers while they sung the songs and nursery rhymes in the session.

Phil Cummings and Danny Snell had a magnetic energy as they brought ‘The Garden on Red Gum Road’ to life with the children enjoying the story being read by the author and the illustrator drawing the main character live in real-time.

Danny Snell, the Illustrator said Phil Cummings text was written simply and lyrically and gave him the inspiration to create the beautiful artwork for the book. Snell believes that getting involved with your Community Garden is a great way to connect with your local community.

“There are so many reasons for people to get involved in Community gardens- they get you outside! They are an educational resource. They are great for Mental Health and as the story shows it is a great way to connect with other people.” Snell enthusiastically discusses.

The session wrapped up with a pot plant painting craft and a chance for attendees to purchase a copy of the book and get it signed by Phil Cummings and Danny Snell.

More information:

• The Precinct Community Garden is located 112 Coventry Road, Smithfield Plains.

• Tree Tots Storytime in the Garden sessions are each Thursday 10.30-11.30am during School Term. Bookings can be made by clicking here.

• ‘The Garden on Red Gum Road’ by Phil Cummings and Danny Snell is available to purchase at books shops now OR can be borrowed through the Playford Library Service here.
• Little Book Press Books can be purchased