Kendall’s Sunday Swap is growing more than veggies

WHAT started as a quiet word-of-mouth activity has blossomed into one of Kendall’s favourite weekly rituals. 

Now in its third year, the Kendall Produce Exchange brings together novice gardeners and those with thriving backyard plots.

Armed with a variety of veggies, they meet every Sunday from 10am–11am at the Kendall Oval BBQ area on Railway Street.

It’s a cheerful gathering, where baskets overflow with home-grown vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, plants and seeds – all swapped freely. No money is involved.

Local resident Sheri Sommerley came up with the idea of a veggie exchange based on a simple problem many gardeners know well: too much produce at once.

“Rather than letting good food go to waste, I thought ‘why not share it’?” she said,

“What’s made it really work is that it’s based on generosity, not profit.”

The idea is refreshingly simple: bring along what you’ve grown too much of, lay it out, and take home something different.

There are no strict rules, no weighing or counting, and no expectation of equal swaps — just sharing.

And it’s not just baskets that leave full.

There’s always a free cuppa and someone will bring a homemade slice or biscuits to have as they exchange gardening tips, recipe ideas and local news.

Regulars say the real harvest has been the friendships that have formed across ages, backgrounds and levels of gardening experience.

The group is incredibly welcoming.

If it interests you, just rock up. You don’t have to know anyone as people are quick to make you feel welcome.

The exchange has even left a lasting mark on the space itself.

Over time, members have added plants to what was a bare patch next to the BBQ area; transforming it into a shared garden that the whole community can enjoy.

Community groups like this are shown to boost wellbeing by reducing social isolation, encouraging physical activity, improving food security, and strengthening neighbourhood connections.

For many locals, it’s become the perfect way to slow down, connect, and start the week grounded.

By Leanne JOHNSON