Kurrajong's Cathie Smith said the gardens were not quite ready to open for the general public, but that the shed would hopefully get them across the finish line by about mid 2022.

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In the meantime people with disabilities have had the garden all to themselves, one of whom is Kurrajong client Kellie Hulm.

Ms Hulm said coming to the farm was the highlight of her week, and that she looked forward to seeing the fruits of her labour come harvest time.

"Sometimes we collect things for the cooking," Ms Hulm said.

"We're making pumpkin soup."

Whenever she is not helping out in the garden Ms Hulm can be found cycling around the farm with her friends on a tandem bike, taking in the rustic atmosphere.

One such friend is Kiara Vella, who helped make Clive the scarecrow, which now keeps a watchful eye over the vegetable patches.

Ms Vella made Clive during her weekly art classes at the farm, where she helped make the wire mesh that keeps him propped up at his watch post.

The art classes clashed with her music classes, and so Ms Vella makes up for it by singing aloud while creating her artworks.

Ms Smith said the Kurrajong clients were keen to share the gardens with the rest of the community as soon as possible, which is why they were raising money for the shed.

Normal fundraising activities ground to a halt last year due to lockdown, and so they have turned to crowdfunding to help make the shed a reality.

Once built it will be a place for them to store equipment and wash vegetables before taking them to the kitchens to be cooked.

"It's not just for people with a disability, it's about creating inclusive community. After all, people with disabilities are every bit as much a part of the community," Ms Smith said.

"We want to reach out to minority groups, to multicultural groups, so that regardless of people's age or their needs or ability they can be part of the community gardens at Hildasid Farm."

Crowdfunding for the shed continues, and in the meantime Kurrajong volunteers are working to set up animal enclosures and to expand the cycling tracks in the lead-up to their public opening.

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