A group of more than 40 adults and children gathered together at the disused St Clements’ tennis courts on Pritchett Street to discuss how the garden will be established.

Yass Valley councillor Chris McKenzie- McHarg addressed the group during a tree planting ceremony on the site. He thanked all those who had been involved in the planning stages, and encouraged everyone to keep it going.

“Let’s let it grow from here,” Cr McKenzie- McHarg said.

Yass Valley director of planning and environmental services, Paul De Szell, has been part of the community garden group since its inception. He attended the open day with his two young daughters and was very happy with the progress the group has made so far.

“It’s a great idea, a great concept. Council is really supportive and have been from the beginning. It’s made good progress and needs to continue on,” Mr De Szell said.

The secretary of the steering committee, Kym Nixon, was pleased with the turnout on Sunday.

“Those who have come out today are really committed to helping make this happen. It’s a great starting point,” Ms Nixon said.

A dwarf pear tree was planted by the children who were present, and the steering committee also planted two kiwifruit vines, a male and female. It’s hoped those plants will be the starting point of a fruitful future for the community garden.

Steering committee chair Gayle Buttrose said there was still a lot to be worked out.

“I’ll be relieved when most of the paperwork is finalised and we can get on with creating the garden,” Ms Buttrose said.

She thanked Hardware Rural and Garden (HRG) for the donation of the kiwifruit vines and the dwarf pear tree, and Yass Valley Council for funding to assist with the creation of a sign.