Residents turn sandy Portland patch into garden

Portland residents have transformed a sandy piece of ground in their neighbourhood into a garden for everyone in the community to enjoy.

Fazly Hendricks, a contractor by profession, got the ball rolling a few months ago when he cleared the ground and started planting shrubs and flowers on one small patch at a time.

The site at Trafalgar Park is almost the size of a soccer field and is bordered by Trafalgar Road, Wankie Close and Hyde Park.

“I go dumpster diving. Collecting plants, tyres and recyclable goods to beautify this space,” he said.

The park has a garden of remembrance where people can record the names of their loved ones on plaques, and there is a jungle gym and swing that were donated to Mr Hendricks.

Mr Hendricks has a letter of support from ward councillor Danny Christians confirming that residents have made “great strides to maintain their area by making dysfunctional open spaces into dignified open spaces”.

In the letter, Mr Christians notes that the initiative has improved the look of the area and helped to reduce crime.

Mr Hendricks said he would now like to see the area fenced and lit, and tools and water were needed to continue maintaining the garden.