In Mossman, a small community garden is making a big difference. The Circle of Plenty, located at the Mossman Botanic Garden, is more than just a place to garden and grow food - it’s a space for learning, connection, and sustainability.

What started as a simple idea has grown into a space where volunteers gather twice a week to cultivate fresh produce, share knowledge, and connect with nature.

Monika Prins, the project's founder and a Newsport staff member, was recently honoured with the Environmental Achievement Award at the Douglas Shire Australia Day Awards Ceremony for her dedication to the initiative.

For Monika, the award is not just personal recognition but a celebration of the entire community’s efforts.

"For a long time, I wasn’t sure if people noticed the work we were doing. But this shows that it does matter, not just for me, but for everyone involved."

Overcoming hurdles to bring the garden to life

The Circle of Plenty began in June 2023 when Monika proposed a community food garden at the Mossman Botanic Garden.

After teaching herself to garden and gaining hands-on experience at an orchard in Julatten, she saw its benefits like social connection, mental health, and food security, and wanted to share them with the community.

Securing space was challenging, but by proposing it as a two-year art installation, Monika gained approval. With support from volunteers, businesses, and schools, the vision became a reality.

By late 2023, more than 500 plants had been planted, with local school students playing a key role in bringing the garden to life. 

Today, volunteers tend the garden twice a week, growing seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, taro, leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Surplus is donated to the Mossman Support Service’s food programs.

The bigger picture: food security and well-being

Monika knows firsthand how gardening fosters connection, health, and self-sufficiency.

“Gardening brings people closer to nature, and even to themselves,” she said. “It’s about being outdoors, socialising, and experiencing the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to harvest.”

She sees food security as one of the biggest benefits, especially during crises like recent floods that left supermarket shelves empty.

“When you grow your own food, you know exactly where it comes from and what goes into it,” she explained. “You’re not reliant on produce that’s been shipped from thousands of kilometres away.”

Children, in particular, are benefiting from the experience. School visits allow them to see firsthand where food comes from, something many have never had the chance to learn.

“Kids are used to instant gratification, but in the garden, rewards are real. You plant, nurture, and harvest something you grew. That sense of accomplishment is huge,” Monika said.

One of her favourite moments was watching a child excitedly unearth a giant sweet potato.

“The excitement on their face was priceless. Even if they don’t garden for years, those early experiences will stay with them,” she said.

How you can get involved

Volunteers meet every Tuesday and Saturday morning to tend the garden, but anyone is welcome to join whenever they can. 

Whether it’s watering, planting, or harvesting, all help is appreciated. "Even if you can only come occasionally, every bit of help makes a difference,” Monika said.