Welcome to the GFS Blog!
This is where we share stories of friendship, community connection, gardening, sustainability, volunteering, and the people who make GFS Perth such a special place. Explore our latest updates, discover practical tips, and be inspired by the everyday moments helping friendships flourish and creating a greener tomorrow.
The Great Indoors
Research by Princeton sociologist Patrick Sharkey has found that between 2003 and 2022, the average American added almost 100 extra minutes at home every single day. Staying at home quietly became our default setting.
Let Nature Do the Weeding
If you’ve ever spent a weekend pulling weeds, you’ll know it can sometimes feel like a battle you simply can’t win. How do we use native groundcovers for natural weed control in our gardens?
Plant Once, Harvest for Years
Explore the philosophy behind planting perennials which, unlike annual vegetables, provide harvests for many years and require patience as they establish.
The Meaning of Friendship
Where did the word ‘friendship’ actually come from? Explore the challenges of loneliness and social isolation in Australia and the vital role strong friendships play in community health and resilience.
Laugh Together, Live Better: Why Friendship Needs Laughter
Laughter strengthens friendships and improves wellbeing by releasing endorphins and reducing stress hormones. It acts as a simple yet powerful way to build ‘Social Fitness’ through regular human connection.
Sometimes History Finds You
A GFS Perth member, Barbara Culpeper Mallett, found a century-old reference to a Girls’ Friendly Society branch in the Swan Valley led by Miss Susannah Lofven, revealing a historical link to the new Friendship Central project.
Loneliness: The Hidden Challenge We Can Address Together
Loneliness is more than physical isolation, people can feel unseen and disconnected even when surrounded by others, and it harms physical and mental health across all ages.
Your Perth Garden This Winter
Winter in Perth offers a great opportunity for gardening, allowing you to grow various vegetables and herbs. At GFS Perth’s Friendship Central, we believe growing food can be simple and rewarding, whether you have a garden or just a few pots.
Permaculture 101: More Than Gardening
When people hear the word permaculture, they often think of vegetable gardens. However, it’s a design philosophy that works with nature to create sustainable systems. At GFS Perth, we see permaculture as not just about growing food, but also about building friendships and stronger communities.
Old Friends, New Conversations
The Hidden Power of Reconnecting: Research consistently suggests that most people are genuinely pleased when an old friend reaches out. The friendship may have gone quiet, but the positive feelings often remain.