ErinEarth volunteer Lyn Nash's story of wonder and dedication is still growing

For volunteer Lyn Nash, her time in the ErinEarth garden has opened up greater feelings of awe and wonder as she watches what can happen in a thriving green space.

ErinEarth is a sustainable living education centre and volunteering community that showcases a waterwise native plant garden and organic vegetable growing.

Sitting by the garden’s campfire, Lyn shared that she had never been in that position and looked up at the trees.

“I’ve never sat in this particular position before,” she said. “I looked up at that tree and thought: ‘Wow … I’ve never looked at it from this angle before. Isn’t it marvellous?’

“The garden and the people have helped us develop a sense of wonder.”

Lyn said her favourite plant at the site was a little gum tree planted near the entrance in memory of her late husband who contributed to the design of the garden’s layout.

“He was an engineer and designed the path to the new toilet,” she said. “We planted the tree after he died, and it’s now over six years old. It has grown a lot.”

The 79-year-old said the retiree volunteers gathered in the garden every Thursday morning to share, learn, and care for the environment and each other.

“It’s a lovely group to be part of. We also have a lovely morning tea. It’s an important part because we’re all sitting down together and have a chance to talk to everyone else.

“It is another family for me.

“It’s wonderful to be part of a group of people who just simply enjoy being out in the open in the garden and doing things together.”

Born in Sydney, Lyn did her teaching training in Bathurst and went to Dubbo, where she met her husband.

The couple lived in Coolamon, Temora and Tumut before calling Wagga their home for 30 years.

Despite joining the team of volunteers just over a decade ago, Lyn saw ErinEarth’s development from 25 years ago.

“A friend of mine started coming here, and when she told me about it, I thought, ‘That’s something I’d love to be involved with’,” Lyn said.

“A couple of weeks later, I came along and I’ve been coming ever since.”

The mother-of-three has seen some of the most significant changes and developments in the garden.

“It’s been ongoing because gardens are ever-changing anyway. We’ve seen many developments and changes in management over the years,” Lyn said.

“We’ve got a wonderful team and people with great vision, too.”

Lyn said ErinEarth was vital to Wagga and the wider region.

“It’s a very important source. It showcases what can be done and is also an educational tool … adults and children can learn more about the environment and how to care for it,” she said.

The grandmother of 10 shared her words of wisdom for those unsure about volunteering or who want to get involved with ErinEarth.

“It’s a wonderful group to be involved with,” she said. “We’re doing important things to showcase the sustainability of our earth.

“Come along and try it, for anyone interested, and see how you enjoy it.”