What happens when someone looks at a forgotten laneway and sees a community garden? For North Bondi resident Cait Scullin, the answer is Tasty Trails - a beautiful, self-watering edible garden on Vicars Lane, made possible with support from Waverley’s Small Grants program. This month, Cait shares why growing things together is one of the best ways to connect with neighbours and appreciate a slower pace of life.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to live in North Bondi?
I’m a marketing professional working across purpose-led brands with a strong focus on sustainability, community and storytelling. Outside of work, I’ve always been drawn to projects that bring people together in meaningful ways.
I moved to North Bondi a few years ago and fell in love with the sense of community here. There’s something really special about this pocket of Sydney; it has a village-like feel, where people are genuinely connected to each other and to the place. Living near Vicars Lane, I saw an opportunity to contribute something to bringing neighbours together.
What inspired you to start Tasty Trails? Can you explain the grant application process?
Tasty Trails came from a simple idea - what if a small, underutilised space could become something interactive, educational and nourishing for the community? The vision was for a place where people could learn, explore and connect, whether that’s picking herbs for dinner, scanning a QR code for a recipe, or showing kids how composting works.
A huge part of bringing this to life was my neighbour, Rene. As a tradesperson, he brought an incredibly practical, hands-on skill set - building the garden beds, installing the irrigation and making the whole system work. We spent weekends side by side, building, problem-solving and sharing stories over coffee. Without Rene, this project simply wouldn’t exist. He also found a way to redirect existing guttering to channel rainwater into the beds, making the system largely self-watering and more resilient in dry periods.
Local businesses have been part of it too - nearby restaurants like Totti’s and Blackwood contributed recipes linked to the garden, which really embodies what this little pocket of the Eastern Suburbs is all about.
The application process through Waverley Council’s Small Grants program was relatively simple - it involved outlining the design, community benefit, sustainability outcomes and long-term maintenance plan for the space.
Cait and Rene building the beds
Are you an experienced community gardener, or did you learn on the go?
A bit of both. I’ve studied horticulture and permaculture, so I had a foundation, but community gardening is a whole different experience. A lot of it has been learning on the go, especially designing something that works in a shared, public environment. From choosing wicking beds that self-water, to integrating compost systems and making the space accessible and engaging, it’s been a hands-on, evolving process.
Have you had any feedback from the neighbours around Vicars Lane?
Yes! And it’s been overwhelmingly positive.
People have been curious, supportive and excited to see the space transform. Part of the garden sits right in front of my window, so as I’m at my desk working, I often overhear little moments unfolding around it. Children, parents and passers-by engage with the space in the most beautiful ways.
“Look at the flowers!”
“Do you know what herb this is?”
“Can you see the worms wiggling?”
“Should we pick some of these and make that recipe?”
Knowing it’s sparking curiosity, conversation and small moments of happiness for people passing by is incredibly special.
The beautiful laneway garden
Do you think community gardens are a good way to meet your neighbours? Any advice for readers considering growing locally?
Absolutely. They create a natural reason to slow down and connect, and they bring together all kinds of people into one shared space, united by something simple and universal. In a place like Bondi, where life can be busy and transient, a community garden offers a grounding point and invites interaction without expectation. It doesn’t matter your age, background or where you’ve come from - everyone can get involved. In that way, community gardens become incredibly inclusive spaces, where connection happens naturally and a place where a sense of belonging can quietly take root.
In terms of starting your garden - start small and don’t overthink it. Even a few herbs on a balcony can make a difference. If you’re thinking bigger, look into your local council’s grants or community programs, they can make projects like this possible. I’d also recommend exploring wicking beds and composting; they make gardening more efficient and accessible in urban spaces. Most importantly, make it something that invites others in. Whether it’s sharing produce, recipes or knowledge, that’s where the real magic happens.
A furry friend checking out the garden!
- Join the Living Connections program
- Get two free native plants from Indigenous nursery Indigigrow
- Apply for a Small Grant
- Start or join a public gardening group
- Request a free street tree
- Attend a composting or worm farming workshop
- Get involved in Bushcare
- Check out Nature Positive opportunities
- Join the Cemetery gardening group
- Learn how to build a native bee hotel