In fact it was Peter, whilst visiting the Lodge as a finalist for 2009 Australian of the year, who actually suggested it to Kevin and Teresa over a cuppa. They were apparently interested, as our PM was raised on a farm in Queensland. Apparently Peter and his mate Mike Plane have been on the campaign trail for over a year, but they haven’t had much luck.
Here is where we proud Australians and any International visitors come into the picture. My fellow green blogger, Darren over at Green-Change.com suggested that other bloggers and I get busy promoting this campaign. Have a look at his Kev’s Patch page. I believe it will be the start of something really big. So this is what I ask of you, if you are game. Send the PM a little message at his official web site, just like Darren and I have. If you really want to, you can mention our blogs! Now that reminds me of a dream I once had.
I am going to promote it as much as I can, and believe that if we get enough media attention, then we may just see a veggie patch at the Lodge. I am going to call our local paper tomorrow and see if they are interested in a story. Check back at Kev’s Patch on Green-Change.com regularly for updates. Darren is investigating blog buttons, a petition, and a few other things. He has even had his first write up in the Christian Science Monitor, much to his amazement.
Here is my letter to our Prime Minister. I hope you have a go as well. You can use mine as a basic template if you like. I don’t mind at all.
Organic Veggie Garden at the Lodge – Kev’s Patch
Dear Mr Prime Minister Rudd,
My friend Darren Collins and I are very impressed with the way that Barack Obama and his family planted an organic vegetable garden in the Whitehouse grounds, and were wondering if you would consider planting a similar garden at the Lodge.
We believe that by setting an example, other Australians would follow your example and begin to grow their own wholesome veggies, and therefore begin to learn how to provide for themselves in a small way. I have also read that Peter Cundall has offered to help you in this endeavour and has even persuaded some organic veggie gardeners to maintain it for you. I believe that this is an offer too good to refuse!
Please consider this proposal, as I believe it will give hope and offer inspiration to many ordinary Australians.
Regards,
Gavin
greeningofgavin.blogspot.com
So what do you think? Are Darren and I crazy, or do you think it is a worthwhile campaign. Let us both know via a comment. While you are writing your comment, have a look at this you tube video from the US campaign to fire you up!
This Lawn is Your Lawn
We could help him start a new web site – “The Greening Of Kevin”. 🙂
Great idea, count me in – Kevs letter is on the way.
Hi Darling,
I sent a letter to the PM too!!!
Hey Gavstrini,
I also sent a letter to the PM and I didn’t call him a butt face once.
Here is what I wrote.
Subject: Kev’s Veggie Patch
Comment: Dear Prime Minister,
I have noticed recently that President Obama has started a veggie garden, and by this action he has inspired other Americans to begin their own veggie patches. I would recommend that you would begin one of your own to inspire other Australians to follow suit.
I feel that if other Australians began their own veggie patches that people would begin to eat healthier, causing a systemic breakdown of the obesity crisis that is gripping this nation. I don’t feel I have to tell you about the consequences of increasing the health of Australians for freeing up funds to use elsewhere, possibly for new sustainable energy resources.
Thankyou for reading my comment,
Amy Webber.
514 Eureka street
Eureka Victoria 3350.
Dunnit! I plagiarised a bit of your message and modified it a bit so we are not all sending the same ‘spam’ type of thing. Here’s what I said – look forward to the buttons. I’m in.
“Dear Mr Prime Minister Rudd,
I was recently impressed with the way that Barack Obama and his family planted an organic vegetable garden in the White House grounds, and wondered if you had any plans for setting a similar example at the Lodge?
I believe that many Australians only need to have such an example and would begin to grow their own wholesome veggies, as a challenge to beat this difficult time. Not only that they might also beat the obesity epidemic thus taking the pressure off the health system. A healthier Australia benefits everyone and it starts with the food we eat. We garden organically, have chooks, and save a little money and improve health as a result. So few young people know how to grow their own food and are dependent on international fast food chains for their nutrition. They are doing it tougher than they need. Community gardens might cater for those who don’t have a small space.
Please consider this proposal, as I believe it will give hope and offer inspiration to many ordinary Australians.
Regards,
Linda Reid
http://cosmicgardening.blogspot.com
Cosmic
Fantastic idea! I’m on it!
Have put a post on my blog directing people to your blog Gavin.
The Greening of Kevin! Now that would be a sight to see.
Thanks everyone for the support, and thanks to Linda for the write up on your blog. The more people we engage, the more likely we are in succeeding in this campaign.
Gav
Well done Gavin, and well done Amy
Yep couldn’t agree more. But instead of getting a team of people to do it for him, how’s about he and the Mrs get down and dirty and do it themselves. I notice there is a bit of podge that the both of them could reduce.