Photographer : Kaliya Hamlin |
What is a community garden?
A community garden is a green space cultivated on common land by a group of people. Community gardens come in all shapes and sizes. They can grow flowers, veggies, fruits or trees. They can be used as sustainable food resources, or just to look pretty. They can be on any kind of land in any city.
Australia’s first community garden was built in Melbourne in 1977. Since then, the gardening bug has caught on, and now there are dozens of gardens in every state. Community gardens are supported by a variety of larger organisations, including the Australian Community Gardens network, Green Thumb, and in some states, even the department of housing.
What’s the point of a community garden?
Does there have to be just one? Neighbours start community gardens for a variety of reasons. Gardening can provide a neighbourhood with organic fruits and vegetables. It can be a relaxing hobby. It can be a way to learn more about the environment.
The main purpose of a community garden, though, is to transform the urban landscape. Community gardens can bring a little green to a sometimes grey city, and they can bring neighbours together who may not know each other otherwise.
Need a little inspiration?
Check out the community gardens in your area. For a complete list, visit
http://www.communityfoods.org.au
How do I know this?
American Community Garden Association,
Tips on starting a community garden http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/kindergarden/Ch...
City of Sydney,
Community gardens http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Was...
Department of Environment and Conservation NSW,
Botanic Gardens Trust http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/community_education/c...
Hatherly, Janelle. Community gardens: more than urban green spaces’,
Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney http://www.aila.org.au/nsw/greeningcities/papers/p...
