Community gardens: growing food and friendships 

Few things are more satisfying than watching a seed you plant grow and change to become food you can enjoy. Sharing this food with new friends you have made in your neighbourhood at a community garden is even better.

By Sarah Coleman

Whether you’re an expert gardener or more likely to plant your feet than a seed, your local community garden welcomes you. It’s a place that’s about so much more than simply growing food on (usually) government land.

In its most basic form, a community garden is a shared space where people come together to grow plants. You can find them on local government properties, school grounds, church land, and state government social housing estates. There are two main types:

• Shared gardens: where members work together to maintain the entire space and share the harvest.  
• Allotment gardens: where people or families have their own designated plot. 

Many community gardens are a mix of these two models. Members are usually expected to help maintain the common areas. This helps people feel more connected to each other and to the garden, and it gives them a sense of pride and responsibility for the space.

Connecting with both people and nature

Community gardens are a hive of activity. They are not just about growing food; they are about connecting with other people and with nature.

Growing food and other plants 

In community gardens, you typically find a variety of heirloom vegetables, herbs, and culturally significant plants that reflect the gardeners' diverse tastes and heritage. You’ll also find a range of other plants to attract beneficial insects and birds, create shade and privacy, or simply add beauty to the garden. 

Community gardens reflect the diverse individuals who create them. You'll have the chance to grow the foods that matter most to you. It is a way to connect with your heritage, preserve family recipes, or relive memories – all while cultivating fresh, healthy produce.

Connecting (and disconnecting)

Community gardens are the perfect place to meet new people in your neighbourhood. If you’re new to gardening, more experienced members will show you around and teach you the skills you need to get growing. 

Especially for older people, community gardens offer a way to combat loneliness. They are as much about nurturing people as they are about nurturing plants. Most gardens have spaces for getting together, whether sharing and cooking food, holding organisational meetings, or simply socialising. 

There are plenty of opportunities to trade gardening tips and recipes and get to know people from diverse backgrounds. If you live in a city, the community garden is also a precious refuge where you can tap into the rhythms of nature.

In most gardens there is also an opportunity for quiet time, where you can enjoy mindful activities such as preparing the soil, seedlings, and harvesting. Many gardens have quiet corners set aside for reading and reflection. 

Learning 

Being a lifelong learner not only enriches your life but keeps your mind sharp and community gardens are great places to learn new skills. Beyond gardening, they often offer workshops on anything from cooking and food preservation to herbal medicine, as well as art and exercise classes. You probably have your own skills that you can use in the garden and maybe teach others. 

As we get older, staying mentally stimulated is essential, and what better way than learning in nature? 

How community gardens can boost your health and wellbeing

Community gardening is a great way for older adults to get moving and stay healthy. It offers a range of physical benefits that can make a big difference in overall health and wellbeing.

Benefits for your body

• Increased physical activity: moderate-intensity exercises, such as planting, weeding, and digging, will increase your strength, muscle tone and joint flexibility.
• Access to fresh produce: Community gardens give you access to the fruits of your labour - fresh veggies and fruit that nourish your body and help you build healthy eating habits.
• Sun exposure: Being outdoors in the sunlight also helps your body make Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and immunity. Just remember to apply sunscreen and cover up or seek shade in the hotter parts of the day.

Benefits for your mind

• A sense of purpose: Getting involved in a community garden gives you a sense of purpose and being part of “something bigger,” contributing to your well-being and happiness. 
• Mindfulness: Encourages mindfulness by requiring attention to detail and helping you engage with the present moment, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation.
• Stress relief: Relieves stress and anxiety, giving you respite from daily pressures. 
• Brain health: The opportunity to learn new skills, get exercise, and access to fresh, nutritious food will boost your brain health.

How to get involved

Don't be shy if you know of a community garden near you. Walk on in, introduce yourself, and ask how you can get involved. When visiting a garden for the first time, it’s a good idea to check the schedule for events or volunteer days – these are perfect opportunities to start getting involved.

If you are unsure of where your nearest garden is, get in touch with Community Gardens Australia. They can connect you with a local garden and, if not, give you the information and resources you need to start one! Also check with your local council as they often operate one or more community gardens in their area.

Collective spirit  

By getting involved in your community garden, you're not just growing fresh food – you're helping to build a stronger, more connected neighbourhood. You'll meet like-minded people who share your passion for gardening, and together, you'll create a space that nourishes not just your body, but your mind and soul as well.