A conversation with Merri, BUC Gardens Co-ordinator

Merri Bathe quietly and joyfully started taking an interest in the gardens out the back of the church building between the cottage and the Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre earlier this year.  The inspiration for this was quite simply – there was space and garden beds.

Merri has a lot of passion for gardening.  She finds plants amazing and loves watching them grow, experiencing a strong connection to the wonder of nature through the process.  Merri also finds gardening personally therapeutic as this work allows her to move her body in ways that are manageable and getting outside is always good and it always lifts her energy.

Read the full story from the August 2026 Olive Branch.