The lemon trees found in the orchard can grow up to 20 feet, although they are usually smaller. The branches of the tree are ripe with thorns and form an open crown. The leaves are green and shiny while the flowers are white and streaked with shades of violet on the inside.

With the help of Jonathan Gregory, landscape architect, Bob McGuffin was able create something out of his love of fruit trees. His dream involves inner city Brisbane’s open space being filled in with orchards that help feed the needy. He is ex-nurseryman that feels the need to return something to the community, so he took action.

Bob has started the first inner city orchard. He found the perfect spot in the yard of St. Mary’s Parish House in South Brisbane.

Bob utilized volunteers to aid in planting the orchard. ?EUR??,,????'??We've got about 400 square meters, and we hope to get about 120 plants in eventually. We've got about 40 in at the moment, and we’ve got a bigger space up around the house where we can put more in – that's going to be a more formal area where people sit and we're going to put some of our larger trees up there.?EUR??,,????'??

Deciduous peach trees or Prunus persica were also planted by the volunteers in the orchard and were among the first to bear fruit. The peach tree is native to China and will provide fruit, some of which is destined to be sold, while some will be donated to the needy.

The trees are expected to peak in regards to producing fruit, in about three years. ?EUR??,,????'??The plans are to return all the excess fruit to the needy, and whatever we've got leftover, we'll sell at the West End markets to provide for the upkeep of the orchard,?EUR??,,????'?? Bob explains.

Gregory is aiding with the design of the next area of the orchard, which needs some redevelopment.

There are plans in place for its improvement, however. ?EUR??,,????'??More large shade trees, wheelchair accessible paths, seating area and raised garden beds that will accommodate the older people who maybe can't bend over to garden. Up the top, we're looking at the clearing out a space for propagation and rainwater tanks, and are really looking at making it an education space as well, and getting people who might have a horticulture background or maybe want to learn a bit about gardening to come along and help out in any way they can,?EUR??,,????'?? says Jonathan.

Garden curator Bob McGuffin, Father Terry Fitzpatrick and landscape architect Jonathan Gregory came together to create something unique, an orchard in the middle of Brisbane, Australia.

Volunteers are scheduled to aid in the upkeep of the orchard. They have been bucket watering so far, but Bob has been planning for future water sources. Everyone from Councilor Helen Abrahams to a man pumping out Telstra manholes is on board to help and the orchard uses lots of mulch and other techniques to prevent water loss.

Bob is in the process of creating a non-profit organization to develop more orchards – called Inner City Orchards. He will plant where he can on rooftops, lawns, etc. and is eager to encourage others to donate to help out the community. ?EUR??,,????'??We'll maintain the orchard and keep it growing well.”