THE Martha Cove Community Garden has unveiled a brand-new greenhouse, marking an exciting milestone for the thriving group.
The official opening on 7 November was attended by Gary Andersen from Somerville-based greenhouse supplier Winter Gardenz, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Patrick Binyon, along with Martha Cove Community Garden president Ron Morgan and committee members David U’ren and Jen Pope.
Located on Pickings Rd, Safety Beach, the community garden was established seven years ago and now boasts 140 members – half of whom are social members.
The garden has been developed over the years with many donating equipment to carry out work such as building 50 above ground vegetable boxes and bee hives.
Morgan said the garden community was delighted with the new addition and expressed his gratitude to the shire for providing a $5000 community support grant to help fund the project.
The greenhouse measures 2.6 by 2.6 metres and features automatic vent windows that adjust according to the weather to maintain ideal growing conditions.
Originally designed in New Zealand, the Winter Gardenz model has been operating successfully for over 15 years and has been sold in Australia for the past 12 years.
The company now manufactures all products locally in Somerville, employing a local workforce and sourcing Australian-made components.
Cr Binyon praised the initiative, noting the importance of projects that foster community connection and sustainability.
The new greenhouse is already being put to good use by members, helping to nurture seedlings that will eventually flourish throughout the garden and beyond, in the form of donations to local charities.
“It’s more than just a greenhouse,” Morgan said. “It’s a symbol of growth, community spirit, and local support.”
First published in the Mornington News – 18 November 2025
