New guide shows how to grow a community garden (media release)
Green thumbs and would-be gardeners now have a handy guide to help them establish community gardens in Merri-bek.
Moreland City Council has recently released Community Food Growing Assessment Guidelines. The guidelines provide more transparency on the process for starting a new garden and they explain the different ways of creating one.
They also explain what locations would be suitable for community gardens and how to access support from Council.
Moreland has about 15 community gardens, with most situated at neighbourhood houses and public housing. They include Gowanbrae Community Garden, Reynard Street Community Garden and the Fawkner Food Bowls, all of which have received Council support.
The guidelines are part of the Moreland Food System, which recognises that community gardens can fulfill many of Council's environmental and social objectives.
This is through providing fresh food, exercise, improved mental health, social interaction and connectivity, mentoring and skill building.
Moreland City Council Mayor Natalie Abboud said the strategy was about helping people connect to their food supply.
"The benefits of being connected to your food supply are immeasurable but sometimes people don't know where to start. We hope to make it easier with this guide," Cr Abboud said.
"And we want to make sure community gardens are open and accessible to as many people as possible, especially those who live in apartments or who don't have enough yard space to grow their own food."