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Want to become a gardener but don’t have the time, space or resources at home? The Central Coast has some interesting community gardens which offer the chance for you to get your hands dirty and socialise with others who love gardening. Find information on Central Coast community gardens or how to organise a community garden group so you can start a thriving community garden in your area.
The Central Coast has some interesting community gardens, some well-established and others in early stages of development. Our gardens range in size, shape and locality but all offer a wonderful environment to meet others while providing organic vegetables, herbs and fruit at the same time.
Being part of a community garden has many benefits including bringing people together, promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing household waste through composting.
Getting a Community Garden started
Starting a new community garden can be a challenge but the rewards will be boundless. It requires a group of enthusiastic and committed local residents who love horticulture and want to enjoy the benefits of being part of their local community. The first step is to establish a Community Garden Group.
The size of the group will depend on the project but may be as large as 20 or as small as five. A larger group will provide more energy and input, but a smaller group may be easier to manage in the initial stages.
Before forming a Community Garden Group follow these steps first:
- Consider possible sites in your local area that would be suitable for the creation of a community garden and check with Central Coast Council that the identified locations are under their control.
- Consider how you will fund the garden’s development. Will you seek Central Coast Council Community Grants and Sponsorship funding? Will the Community Garden Group raise its own funds? What about a combination of both?
- Learn about incorporating an association by visiting the NSW Government Fair Trading website.
Central Coast Council is currently developing a Community Garden Guideline to help residents establish and manage community gardens.
Organising a Community Garden Group
Holding a public meeting is one way to recruit volunteers. As well as inviting people you know, extend the invitation to your local community, including environment or gardening groups and resident associations. Place an advertisement in the local paper and mail drop the local neighbourhood, especially if you already know where the garden is likely to be located. You could also engage a skilled facilitator for the meeting and ensure you get names and contact details of everyone who wants to be involved. This will form the basis of your project contact list.