Yeah as I was about to say, I already have some interest from a couple of guys further up the street but I am wondering if anyone in our street or surrounding streets is interested in the concept of a community garden? I was thinking of the vacant lot at the northern end of the street as a possible space? I am not sure who owns it but it may be the local council as it is too close to the high voltage powerlines to build on...Anyway would love to hear from anyone who is interested.

We had our inaugural meeting for those interested in the Community Garden on Sunday - Big thanks to all those that attended, we had a fantastic response.

Attendees inlcuded:
Imagin, Rainbo, Roger, Sparky, Tinyan, Zoe, Jeremy, Anabel, Simone, Josie, Greta, Racu, Scott, Serena, Simone, Steve and Tom. Apologies if your name is missing from this list!

Our picnic started off with an talk about progress to date from Racu who attended a 'Sustainability Streets' meeting a month ago. Essentially SS is a broad concept looking at localised solutions to sustainability issues of conservation and is a way for the community to be recognised as wanting to do something. A draft submission has been put together and a link to the submission will be posted shortly so others can comment on it.

The group then explored individual ideas and aspirations for the proposed garden and this process will form part of the visioning exercise for the design of the garden. Some insights into people's response inlcuded:

"...plots subdivided to grow vegies."
"...everybody shares it..."
"...grow vegies and be happy"
"...rain water harvesting, green space, lush linking to the flow of the creek"
"...communal and individual plots"
"...trees, a refuge..."
"...I don't like fences"
"...vegies and other stuff"
"...I feel cery excited"
"...open space - meeting place, garden space"
"...a bbq area would be good"
"...a proportion of the food to less fortunate - a socially responsible compnant"
"...I'd like a swing and to be chold friendly"
"... I really like seperate spaces and a contral community space- an informal kitchen"
"...potential linkages with Ceres?"
"...Fruit trees and vines along the periphery"
"...a combination of both works well"
"..capacity building infrastructure"
"...zero conflict with outside world (neighbours) management philosophy"
"...concerns over how many people"
"...Friday night fire?"
"...excited to make it happen"
"...communal hang out space with weather protection"
"...self sufficiency"

Some valid concerns to the proposal inlcuded:
...Early morning noise? ......Vandalism and littering of the area? .....Ugly border fence?.....Council sprays the weeds currently who will do it if there is a garden here?

The group decided to break into small working groups to tackle the project from various angles. The working groups inlcuded PLANNING with the aim of maintaining contact with Laura from Moreland council who is the climate change officer and in favour of the project; and to develop a relationship with the head of Open Space division of council who maybe an individual who can make a decision on allowing the project to proceed. RESEARCH with the aim of a) investigating other community gardens and their organisational, legal and physical models and b) possible sources of funding eg. sustainability streets and more. LIAISON with aims to get the word out to the local community to garner support and interest in the project. DESIGN with the aim to build a proposed model for the space that is inclusive of community input and responsive to their needs.

The group resolved to meet again in two weeks to report on the working group research on Monday 2nd July for a meal (everyone brings a plate) 7pm - venue to be decided.

New interested parties are welcome to come along and hear about the research so far.

The group is communicating via email and streetadvisor and we would love to hear from others who have anything constructive to contribute.

The next meeting is on the 15th (the day after "Party at the Farm" - contact bill for details!). Actually, the meeting's also at the farm... 2pm folks so see you all there!

Hi all the community garden idea is being reinvigorated for the new year!
Next meeting is on Wednesday the 23rd Jan 7:30pm 178 Stewart St East Brunswick.
We have been getting heaps of support so with more people becoming involved we are hopeful to get planting this year!
Come along :)

Super Sweet Jeronime. I'll pass this along to Belly Boo :)

Jeronime, can you report back with how the community garden meeting went? Very curious to hear how it went :)

Hi folks, i'm also in the area ... what's the latest on this garden? has this been finished already? where is it? Is this something to do with the church on this street?

Heya RuRoh!

er .. no idea :) I'll ask babyboo when i see her next, unless she beats me to it or someone else in this thread gets in first.

Maybe jeronime might have some answers?