Top of the crops: Vollies reap rewards with prize vegies

Wanneroo’s oldest standing residence, the historic Cockman House plays host to verdant vegetable gardens tended to by a group of seven dedicated volunteers.

Upholding the Cockman family’s proud market gardener heritage, the Cockman House Vegie Growers secured four first-place trophies and two second-place prizes at the local agricultural show held at Wanneroo Showgrounds last month.

“We’re very happy with the result,” volunteer gardener Vickie Anderson said. “Four wins and two second places are a big achievement considering it was only the second time we’ve entered.”

Mrs Anderson said the group met two or three times a week, tending to the garden and giving back to the community.

“We donate all of the produce we harvest to a local lifestyle village and members of the community,” she said. “Looking after the garden takes a lot of work, but it’s a great pastime and we’ve all made lasting friendships through the group.”

The green-fingered group earned first place in the following categories at the 2018 Wanneroo Agricultural Show:

• Section: Vegetables; Class: Collection of salad vegetables on tray
• Section: Vegetables; Class: Carrots
• Section: Vegetables; Class: Leaf vegetables (lettuce)
• Section: Vegetables; Class: Any variety of vegetable not elsewhere specified (rhubarb)

They also secured second place in the following categories:

• Section: Vegetables; Class: Collection of vegetables on tray
• Section: Vegetables; Class: Any variety (leeks)

City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts congratulated the Cockman House Vegie Growers on their success, and said the group was helping to promote one of Wanneroo’s most cherished historical sites.

“Cockman House is a part of Wanneroo’s pioneering past, and I would encourage all residents to take the time to visit and learn more about this treasured historical gem,” Mayor Roberts said.

Situated in Yellagonga National Park in Woodvale, Cockman House is open to the public from 2-5pm every Sunday. It will be closed over the festive period from 17 December to 5 January.