Members of the community joined last month to open Ravenswood Neighbourhood House initiative Pioneer Garden.

Community leader and former gardener Peter Richards came up with the concept.

He said it was exciting residents of the suburb had access to fresh, nutritious food.

‘‘I used to have a gardening business but I had a bad hip – now I have a new hip I’m up and away,’’ Mr Richards said.

‘‘It’s a personal pleasure that I have been able to give something back to the community.

‘‘We can actually do things other people would be proud of in their backyard.’’

In an unfortunate turn of events, roaming cows from a nearby farm have helped themselves to the garden three times in as many weeks.

‘‘Several small children have said how sad it was that the vegetables they’d helped to plant have been destroyed,’’ Mr Richards said.

‘‘If the community was to stop wrecking the fences it’d be a very bloody good thing.’’

Still, Mr Richards will continue to volunteer his time with community members interested in contributing to Pioneer Garden.

People who would like to be involved in the Ravenswood community garden can call the Ravenswood Neighbourhood House on 6339 2861.