THEY may only be relatively small plants now, but six desert quandong trees are already making a big impression in St George.
The quandong is a favourite outback wild fruit, which is relished for its scarlet acidic pulp and high vitamin C levels.
St George Bush Tucker Garden volunteer Peter Goodwin said the plant was hard to propagate, which was the main reason for a two year wait on the plants from Perry's Nursery in Adelaide.
The long-term vision of the St George Bush Tucker Garden is to develop a coherent space for education, conservation and cultural value by creating a naturalised wetland zone, koala habitat and pollinator area, plants for food and medicine, textiles, tools, as well as a yarning circle and to showcase indigenous art works.
It is envisaged the site will become a place where the community will be able to also learn about bush tucker, supported with interpretive signage designed by local Aboriginal artist Gordon Lister.
"We will eventually produce food and medicines and be able to teach people what the plants are and want they can do," Mr Goodwin said.
Kamilaroi elder Jim Troutman Troutman said he believed the entire community would benefit from having a site which highlighted the bush food and medicines of the local Aboriginal community.
Mayor Samantha O'Toole admitted some people might feel the project was progressing slowly, but council remained committed to its vision.
"Over the last couple of years the drought has not been supportive of our endeavours but council is confident that the efforts of Peter and his small team will begin to show some real progress over coming months," Cr O'Toole said.