General News
28 October, 2026
Self-watering beds take root
IT was only back in August, this year, that the ‘Goss’ provided an update on the Circle of Plenty project in Mossman.
At the time, the Circle of Plenty Community Garden, which was originally set up three years ago and is part of the Mossman Botanic Garden, secured funding through the community resilience arts and wellbeing program 2026-2027 to establish a climate-adaptive community garden demonstration site featuring water-efficient wicking beds. That’s quite a mouthful.
For those wondering, a wicking bed is a self-watering garden bed that stores water in a bottom reservoir and draws it upward into the soil using capillary action.
Since the funding was confirmed, things have been growing fast, with a new wicking bed demonstration site taking shape, thanks to help from local students and community groups.
Just last week, a number of year 12 students from Mossman State High School joined the installation work, while Mossman Youth Centre members have already planted the first bed and the plants are growing at super-speed rate. Overall, thus far, the project has proven a great way for volunteers to get their hands dirty, while having fun and getting great job satisfaction at the end of the day.
When I caught up with the hard-working team last week, they were busy installing the new wicking beds, making sure they were at a suitable height should heavy rain cause flooding in the area.
The project will demonstrate practical, water-efficient ways of growing food in Far North Queensland’s tropical climate, while creating hands-on learning opportunities for local families, schools and community groups.
The initiative is also jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the disaster recovery funding arrangements and administered by Douglas Shire Council.
The volunteer-run circle is now looking for more people who like making things happen. There are many ways to contribute skills, ideas, time or a helping hand.
Circle of Plenty coordinator Monika Prins said the project was about much more than growing food.
“These projects are about building resilience, sharing knowledge and helping communities become more self-reliant during times of disruption,” she said.
“Growing food, growing knowledge and growing community captures the circle’s spirit.
“More than a place to grow vegetables, it is a space to share skills, encourage environmental awareness and strengthen community connections.”
New volunteers are always welcome at their Tuesday morning sessions (8am-10 am) and on the third Saturday of each month (8am-10 am).
Schools, community groups and organisations are encouraged to join the planting now underway and help shape future activities. No gardening experience is needed, just a willingness to have a go.
To get involved, contact Monika at circleofplenty@gmail.com or drop by the Circle of Plenty at Mossman Botanic Garden.
After all that activity, I’m off to bed… the wicking bed that is, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
