Singles looking for that someone special in Canberra can switch off their dating apps and get down and dirty in a tree-planting event for those unlucky in love.
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Hosted by Landcare, the program sees participants plant up to 1000 shrubs and trees on a farm south of the capital.
The relaxed outdoor environment and face-to-face contact encourages friendships and relationships to blossom.
Initially, organisers were unsure of how participants would react in such an environment but Greening Australia project manager Ian Rayner said the feedback had been very positive.
"People have seemingly been able to connect quickly and start up conversations, and get good work done at the same time," he said.
"It's been a really nice journey for us, and for people who we've had come along. The hands-on work had made those interactions really natural."
The "speed planting" event sees participants grouped into age categories, and plant a seedling with a new person every 10 minutes.
Men in minority
While numbers have been consistent, with the event attracting about 100 people each time, the constraint is the small number of men who want to get involved.
"We've actually had to reduce numbers in previous years because we haven't been able to get enough men along. There is a waiting list of females, but we've had to draw the line," Mr Rayner said.
Queanbeyan resident Sean Carter will be reverting to the skills he cultivated during his time as a gardener in the hope of attracting a partner with similar interests.
"I haven't really been out looking [for a partner], which is kind of the problem I guess," he said.
"It would be good to meet someone, of course, it's time for me to get back in the game, and it's always good to be involved with community events."
While not everyone will be endowed with the skills needed, no previous experience is required for the tree planting.
The Landcare for Singles event is set to be held on Sunday, May 17 from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Details of the event location will be provided to registered participants.
A free bus will provide a pick-up and drop-off service, available from Canberra City or Kambah.
For further details and to register for the free event, search Landcare for Singles at eventbrite.com.au
