Community gardening - City of Subiaco - Home · City of SubiaCo community gArdening guide | 3 the City of Subiaco would like to acknowledge russ grayson and the City of Sydney for

Community gardening guideA guide to community garden projects in Subiaco

City of SubiaCo community gArdening guide | 3

the City of Subiaco would like to acknowledge russ grayson and the City of Sydney for permission to use

Getting Started In Community Gardening – A guide to Planning, Design and Implementation of Community

Gardening Projects – City of Sydney as a point of reference for this guide.

this guide draws heavily upon the wealth of information contained in the Community Gardening in South

Australia Resource Kit developed by Claire Fulton, and the work of russ grayson and Fiona Campbell of the

australian City Farms and Community gardens network (aCFCgn). it is also informed by the systems and

resources developed by the team at Cultivating Community in Victoria, northey Street City Farm in Brisbane

and CereS environmental Park in melbourne.

the city would also like to thank its Community garden interim management Committee who assisted in

the development of this document.

For more information on community gardening, contact the City of Subiaco on 9387 0942, by email to

[email protected] or by post to Po Box 270, Subiaco, Wa 6904.

acknowledgements Contents

Welcome 4

1 City of Subiaco community garden establishment procedure 5 1.1 Step one – Project development 5

1.2 Step two – Site considerations 5

1.3 Step three – application requirements 5

1.4 Step four – Community engagement 5

1.5 Step five – Council approval 5

1.6 Step six – agreement 5

2 Establishing a community garden group 7 2.1 researching your project 7

2.2 Clarifying aims and objectives 7

3 Site selection and design 9

3.1 Site assessment 12

3.2 design considerations for new gardens 12

3.3 aesthetics 12

4 Governance 13

4.1 garden rules and policies 13

4.2 Code of conduct 13

4.3 Constitution 13

4.4 decision-making 13

4.5 Conflict resolution 13

5 funding 14

5.1 Fundraising 14

5.2 reuse and in-kind support 14

6 Management plans 15

6.1 ongoing management 15

7 Membership 17

7.1 orienting and educating new members 17

7.2 Volunteer rights and responsibilities 17

7.3 mentoring 17

7.4 Workshops 17

8 Health and safety 18

8.1 Health and safety systems 18

8.2 insurance 18

8.3 Vandalism 18

9 Resources 19

9.1 guidelines 19

9.2 networks 19

9.3 Best practice examples 19

appendix a: Site assessment checklist 20 appendix b: Design features for consideration checklist 22

City of SubiaCo community gArdening guide | 5 4 | City of SubiaCo community gArdening guide

community gardening is a satisfying and enriching experience.

this guide has been developed by the city of Subiaco to assist local community groups plan, design and implement new community garden projects. it also provides information for the ongoing management and maintenance of the garden, and outlines considerations that can contribute to the long-term viability of community garden projects.

the information in this guide is based on the experience of successful community gardeners, as well as research into factors that influence the success of community-based natural resource management and community development projects.

this guide will assist in supporting the development of a strong network of diverse gardens in the Subiaco community.

Welcome

the following steps detail the city’s procedure for

developing new community garden proposals in

Subiaco.

1.1 Step one – Project development

applicants should form a group of local residents who are

interested in establishing a community garden. the next step is

to develop an outline of the purpose of the garden, the goals

and objectives to be achieved, planned programs, how the

garden will be used and who will access it. to discuss the initial

proposal, contact the city on 9387 0942.

1.2 Step two – Site considerations

the city can assist with ideas and advice for identifying an

appropriate site and developing your planning and design

process. it is important to arrange a meeting and site visit with

the city to ensure any issues can be identified and addressed.

this could include:

• currentlanduse,neighbours,safetyandvandalism,

accessibility, location, size, soil quality, sun, wind and water

• designandconstructionofthecommunitygarden,including

appropriate sustainable sources of construction materials

and soils.

1.3 Step three – application requirements

the submission should outline the:

• nameanddetailsofthecommunitygarden’sprimarycontact

person

• proposedlocationandsiteplanforthegarden,including

the layout of plots, communal areas and location of any

proposed structures or fences

• managementstructure,proceduresandplanforoperation

of the garden.

the community garden group must demonstrate how the

project will benefit the local community through at least one

of the following initiatives.

• Acommunitydevelopmentprogramthatencourages

involvement of local schools, youth groups, community

groups, disadvantaged residents or people with disabilities

• Anenvironmentaleducationanddemonstrationprogram

that offers activities to encourage urban agriculture in the

broader community

• Promotionofgreaterenvironmentalbiodiversityand

understanding of local food production in the community

• Acontributiontogrowingfoodforcharitablepurposes

once the city has reviewed the submission and is satisfied

it meets the application requirements, the city will begin a

community engagement process in consultation with the

garden group.

1.4 Step four – Community engagement

it is important to discuss the proposed community garden idea

with those that will be directly affected to ensure long-term

success of the project. the city will support the community

engagement process, the scope of which will depend on the

scale and location of the proposed garden.

in preparation for engagement ensure concerns such as smell,

visual appearance, noise, use of public open space and parking

requirements have been considered, and plans for addressing

them have been thought out.

1.5 Step five – Council approval

if the concept is supported by the local community, the city

will prepare a report for council. the report will include the

communitygardengroup’ssubmission,resultsofthepublic

engagement process, establishment budget and ongoing

funding arrangements.

the community garden group can apply for grants and other

sources of funding for the construction of the garden once

approval has been given.

1.6 Step six – agreement

Following council approval, an agreement will be made

between the city and the community garden group

(once incorporated).

1 City of Subiaco community garden establishment procedure


the agreement will:

• acknowledgeandsupporttheobjectivesofthegarden

• specifythepermittedpurpose(s)ofthegarden

• ensureparticipationinthegardenisopentoall

• conferownershipofspecifiedgardeninfrastructureto

the city

• specifyresponsibilitiesofboththecityandthecommunity

garden group for undertaking and funding the

establishment, management, maintenance and ongoing

running costs

• specifyresponsibilitiesforpublicliabilityinsurance

• detailtheresponsibilitiesofthecommunitygardengroupin

relation to gardening practices

• allowforperiodicreviewsofthecommunitygardengroup

and specify requirements for reporting to the city on

membership and financial performance.

a register listing the locations of approved

community gardens will be placed on the

city’swebsitewww.subiaco.wa.gov.au

a community garden is built on a sense of community

and cannot succeed without the enthusiasm of many

people. forming a group of committed people with

a range of skills and experience is the first step in

establishing a community garden. the size of the group

will depend on the project, but may be as large as

twenty people or as small as five.

2.1 Researching your project

Visit existing community gardens to learn how to develop a

successful community garden project. Some questions you

may wish to ask include are:

• howdidthegardenstart?

• whattypeofstructuredoyouhave?

• whatdoyoudoaboutpublicliabilityinsurance?

• wheredoyouobtainresources(e.g.mulch,compost,

seedsetc.)?

• whatareyourlinkstolocalgovernment?

• howareyoufunded?

• howdoyoumakedecisions,solveproblemsand

resolveconflict?

• howdoyoupassonskillstonewgardenersandimprove

people’sskills?

• howdidyoubuildasenseofcommunityaround

thegarden?

2.2 Clarifying aims and objectives

Thecity’svisionistocreatesustainablecommunitygardens

that capture the aspirations of the residents of Subiaco,

and that are attractive, inclusive, informal, enriching and

environmentally sustainable.

the community garden group should develop a shared vision

for the garden, as well as objectives for what they want to

achieve.

Some things to consider when starting a new garden include:

• communityart(e.g.sculptures,mosaicsandmurals)

• socialspaces,seatingandoutdooreatingareas

• shadyandcoveredareas

• spacesforperformance

• areasforworkshopdelivery

• toolshedsandworkareas

• signage,displaysandnoticeboards

• children’splayareasandspecialplotsforchildrenorlocal

schools

• bikeparkingspaces

• bushtuckertrailandsensoryorbutterflygardens

• animalse.g.chickens,beesorducks

• compostingandwastemanagementareas

• storageareasformaterials,suchasmanureorstraw

• fruittrees

• plotsandsharedgardenareas

• rainwatertanksandanirrigationsystem

• predatoryinsectattractingplantstomanagepests

• propagationareaandstalltosellplants.

2 establishing a community garden group


the most successful community garden projects

are those where the initiating group takes the time

to undertake a detailed process of planning and

design. before you start planning and designing your

community garden ask yourself the following questions.

• Isthereenoughinterestandenergywithinthegroupto

sustaintheprojectinthelong-term?

• Isacommunitygardenthemosteffectivewayto

addressyourcommunity’sneeds?e.g.foodsecurity,

social opportunities, health promotion, environmental

improvement or learning for sustainability.

• Wouldjoininganestablishedcommunitygardenbeabetter

waytoachieveyouraims?

• Wouldanotherformofgardeningincommunityproject

be more appropriate, e.g. sharing and distributing produce

from neighbourhood fruit trees, gardening collectively in

backyardsorstartingabushcaregroup?

Starting a community garden is hard work and takes

a great deal of time, energy and commitment so it is

important to address the following priority tasks:

• Developastrongandcommittedcommunitygardengroup

that can share the load and form partnerships with other

community organisations

• Researchtheprojectthoroughly

• Worktogetherasagrouptoagreeonaclearvisionfor

the project

• Conductsimplestrategicplanningtoidentifywhereyou

want to go and how you will get there. design the garden

with the vision in mind.

the next step is to consider what type of community

garden will best suit the group’s needs, such as:

• streetgarden,whichusesstreetvergestocreatea

concentration of allotments in a street environment

• privatecommunalgardens,whichareestablishedonprivate

property for the exclusive use of owners and tenants and are

often run using existing property management structures

• apubliccommunalgarden,whichisestablishedon

public land made available by state or local government

authorities. these require separate management structures

and generally the creation of a not-for-profit incorporated

entity to function.

3 Site selection and design


Residential (left) and street verge (right) food gardens in Subiaco.

Private communal food gardens at Wandana Community garden (left) and St ives Village community garden (right).

Case study – St ives community garden

in 2009, a group of residents living at the St ives complex in Jolimont proposed the establishment of a community garden on

the property. once approval for the garden was given by the Council of owners of the strata company, the resident group

sourced expert advice on how to establish a community garden.

the City of Subiaco provided the group with a $1000 Community development grant, which was used to purchase raised

garden beds. a community garden club of enthusiastic volunteers was established with a membership contribution of $25.

the club gathered charitable and volunteer support from various sources such as Bunnings and earthwise Community Centre,

which was invaluable in setting up the community garden. rosters were set up for watering and the collection of vegetable

scraps for composting from a nearby cafe. Produce is harvested and divided among all members of the community garden.

“I knew very little when we started and am constantly learning. Some of our residents have noticed an improvement in their

health from the gardening activity.” – gabbi, a St ives resident who initiated the garden.

Subiaco’s Earthwise Community Centre public communal garden.


3.1 Site assessment

Sufficient time should be allowed to undertake a detailed

assessment of the proposed site to identify risks, opportunities

and possible threats to the project.

appendix a provides a site assessment checklist to be

completed by the community garden group to assist in

identifying issues and opportunities that may be present on

the chosen site.

3.2 Design considerations for new gardens

Professional design assistance can be useful to facilitate

community participation, possibly through a series of meetings

and workshops.

recruiting a permaculture or landscape designer can provide

a great planning foundation. Look at using students from

landscape architecture courses to assist with possible

designs and, if required, obtain professional assistance in the

production of the final design. you may want to consider

holding a design competition for local designers and/or

students to source design proposals for the garden.

an accurate and attractive site plan is inspiring to new

members and the initial garden design will continue to evolve

as you implement the project. it is important to be flexible

and allow input from new group members who may not have

been part of the initial design process.

appendix B provides a checklist of design features for

consideration by the community garden group.

3.3 aesthetics

aesthetics are an important part of any community garden

design. they should be welcoming, safe, orderly and well

maintained. Pay close attention to the presentation of the

entrance area, and ensure welcome signage clearly explains

thegarden’spurposeandhowpeoplecangetinvolved.

4 governance

a garden management committee of between five and

ten people should be formed with a range of skills,

experience and leadership qualities. the committee will

work collaboratively to keep the project on track and

share responsibilities.

4.1 Garden rules and policies

rules and policies should be made known to all those who are

involved with the community garden. member agreements are

one way of ensuring everyone is committed to abiding by the

policies and clearly understand their rights and responsibilities

with regard to the project.

4.2 Code of conduct

a code of conduct defines what is and is not acceptable

behaviour within the community garden. the code of conduct

should be brief and avoid too many rules and regulations.

4.3 Constitution

a constitution is a formal document with legal status. it is

a requirement for community gardens that have decided

to become incorporated associations, and is also useful for

any garden group that has begun to develop more complex

projects and procedures.

4.4 Decision-making

decisions can be made democratically, by vote after formal

discussion at public meetings, or through consensus.

transparent and inclusive processes are essential.

4.5 Conflict resolution

there is always a chance that conflict may arise, either within

the garden group or with external stakeholders. developing a

clear process for conflict resolution is essential.

addressing potential conflict as a group and discussing

what actions will be taken if it arises is crucial. the conflict

resolution process should:

• ensurerespectfulcommunicationbetweenthoseinvolved

• determinewho,internallyandexternally,willmediate

serious conflict

• addresstheprocessforaddressing personal grievance.


5 Funding

once there is a clear vision and implementation plan

for the garden, a budget will need to be developed and

consideration given to where financial resources will

be sought.

in order to receive funding from the city, the community

garden group must be a community based not-for-profit

incorporated association, or have an auspice arrangement

with an existing incorporated association. City staff can

provide advice on how to become incorporated, as well as

information to assist with the submission.

the city acknowledges most community groups do not have

the financial resources to cover the high costs of establishing

certain infrastructure required for a community garden. the

city may consider requests for funding the basic infrastructure

for approved projects. Community garden groups should

look at ways to raise significant funds, as the group will

be responsible for all on-going operational costs, including

maintenance of garden infrastructure and public liability

insurance.

in-kind support, such as donations from local businesses,

reusing waste resources and applying for grants, are fantastic

ways community garden groups can resource their projects.

Consider the following costs:

• producingpromotionalmaterial

• publicliabilityinsurance

• constructionmaterials

• organicmaterialforgardenbedconstruction

• toolsandequipmente.g.handtoolsandwheelbarrows

• irrigationequipment

• alockabletoolshed.

5.1 fundraising

there are many ways community garden groups can

fundraise. Plan fundraising efforts carefully and ensure

the money raised is worth the time and energy expended.

Fundraising methods include:

• opendays,celebrations,festivalsandmarkets

• annualplotandmembershipfees

• leaseofspace

• avisitordonationbox

• anursery

• educationaltours

• coursesandworkshops

• commercialcrops

• sausagesizzlesoracafé

• grantfunding.

For grant opportunities visit www.ourcommunity.com.au or

www.grantslink.gov.au

5.2 Reuse and in-kind support

using recycled materials has both financial and environmental

benefits. opportunities for recycling include:

• lawnclippingsfromlocalmowersandlandscapersfor

composting

• animalmanurefromalocalracetrackorpolicestables

• foodwastefromrestaurants,fruitandvegetableshopsand

residents

• plantcuttingsandheritageseedvarietiesfromother

community gardens

• recycledbuildingmaterialsfromlocaldemolitionbusinesses.

Local businesses may be happy to negotiate ongoing

discounts, donations or sponsorship in exchange for publicity

in newsletters, on project signage or within promotional

material. invite them to be a part of the project and discuss

potential partnership opportunities.

6 management plans

a management plan will assist to clarify the practical

procedures for development of the garden. a management

plan also demonstrates to the landowner and funding

bodies that an appropriate level of thought and research

has been undertaken before implementing the project.

the management plan should include:

• astatementofpurpose

• aimsandobjectives,includingthelong-termvisionfor

the garden

• aproposedmanagementstructure

• theproposedinductionprocessforvolunteers

• theproposedriskmanagementframeworkandcompleted

risk assessment

• provisionforpublicliabilityinsurance

• aproposeddecision-makingframeworkandconflict

resolution processes

• theproposedpolicyregardingsustainablelandmanagement,

including management of soil, water, energy, organic and

non-organic waste, biodiversity and building materials

• theproposedpolicyregardingaccess,equityandmembership

• theproposedpolicyfortheallocationandmanagementofplot

gardens

• aproposedfundingmodele.g.membershipfees,fundraising

and grants

• theproposedpolicyregardingdrugsandalcohol,including

smoking onsite

• potentialpartnershipse.g.localschools

• contactdetailsforprojectcoordinators

• considerationsofaccessibility,includingproximitytopublic

transport.

6.1 ongoing management

management systems are essential to any project, and include

the development of policies and procedures for managing

community participation, maintenance, administration, ongoing

infrastructure development and garden safety. Six key aspects

of garden management that are key to their long-term success

include:

1. attracting new members

2. orientating and educating new members

3. internal organisation

4. internal communication

5. governance

6. community partnerships.


7 membership

to attract new community garden members make

sure you:

• haveanattractiveandprofessionaldesignplan

• haveaclearvisionandobjectives

• registertheprojectwithalocalvolunteernetwork

• publiciseworkingbeesandbarbecues

• inviteschools,localresidentsandfriendstoget

involved

• developcommunicationmaterials,suchasbrochures.

Create a calendar of work days and events and invite

people to come and view the progress of the project.

this will also define roles and responsibilities or work

groups that others can participate in.

7.1 orientating and educating new members

develop a process for new members to familiarise them with

the garden project. an induction process is essential to ensure

new volunteers are aware of:

• theirrightsandresponsibilities

• occupationalhealthandsafety

• trainingopportunities

• gardenpoliciesandprocedures.

garden coordinators should develop a system of governance

that allows volunteers to take on increasing responsibility as

their involvement in the project deepens.

to retain volunteers make sure you match their skills with a

role that makes them feel valued and where they can achieve

their own goals and objectives. a volunteer application form

can be used to ascertain the skills, experience and interest

volunteers can bring to the project and what they hope

to achieve. it is also important to encourage creativity and

independent activity within a clearly defined structure.

7.2 Volunteer rights and responsibilities

to facilitate a safe and inclusive environment, volunteers

should have the following rights:

• receiveallnecessaryinformationaboutthegroupand

its policies

• begivenclearinstructionsaboutthetask/stheyare

undertaking

• beableto negotiate jobs, times and work days

• understandwhoisresponsibleandforwhat

• beincludedinmeetings,socialeventsanddecision-making

• receivetrainingonanongoingbasis

• knowwhotogotowithproblemsanddifficulties

• havetheirworkvaluedandreceiveconstructivefeedback

• haveprotectionofinsuranceandsafeworkingconditions

• beprovidedwiththerighttoolsforthejob

• theabilitytosaynoiftheyfeelunhappywithwhatisbeing

requested of them

• bereimbursedforout-of-pocketexpenses(toanagreed

limit)

• theabilitytocarryouttheirrolewithoutbeingexploited

• beconsultedonissueswhichaffectthem.

Volunteers should be aware of their responsibilities to the

garden and others, including:

• respectingothergardenersandvisitors

• communicatinginformationandconcernswithother

group members

• takingresponsibilityforthedecisionstheymake

• acceptinggroupdecisions

• addressingareasofconflictwiththoseinvolved

• askingforandgivingsupportwhenitisneeded

• workingsafelyandbeingawareoftheirdutyofcare

to others

• acceptingthepresenceofpeoplewithdifferent

philosophical, political and religious allegiances and

points of view.

7.3 Mentoring

encourage leadership and enhance learning by providing

opportunities for skilled gardeners to mentor new members.

7.4 Workshops

Skill-sharing workshops at the garden can facilitate learning

based on member feedback and can be presented by skilled

garden members or by an expert. opening up workshops to

the community can also raise funds, attract new members and

spread the word on sustainable living.


8 Health and safety

8.1 Health and safety systems

there is a potential risk of serious injury occurring in

community gardens. it is important to anticipate problems

before they occur and implement systems to protect the

community and the project from costly and potentially

damaging allegations of negligence.

Conduct a thorough risk assessment that considers the

following points, with particular reference to the safety of

children and the elderly.

• Poisonousorpotentiallyallergenicplants

• Triphazards

• Sharpordangerousedges

• Manualhandlingandheavyloads,includingtheuseof

wheelbarrows

• Useofsharpordangeroustools

• Useofsoilsandmanures

• Dangerousmaterialse.g.barbedwire

• Poisonsandpesticides

develop a health and safety policy outlining the way risks

that have been identified will be minimised, including safety

procedures for any chemicals or power tools that are used.

it is essential to have a thorough volunteer induction process

and a health and safety training session and book should

be provided.

make sure the environment is safe and provide appropriate

facilities and tools, including shade, sunscreen and personal

protective equipment e.g. hats and gloves. it is important

to provide a well-equipped first aid kit and ensure members

are made aware of its location and contents during their

induction. a logbook for recording accidents and incidents

should be kept with the first-aid kit.

8.2 insurance

it is recommended all community gardens be covered by

public liability insurance, either by obtaining a policy of their

own or through another organisation. insurance protects both

the garden and the landowner against charges made against

them if a visitor is hurt or injured. talk to other community

gardens to find out what level of cover they have.

Consider having your project insured with another community

garden, as an umbrella policy is likely to be cheaper.

alternatively, seek support from another organisation, such as

a garden club, neighbourhood centre or Landcare, which can

include you in their insurance policy.

Reviewthegarden’sinsuranceeachyearaschangestothe

employment of staff, increased volunteer numbers, changes to

activities and greater investment in equipment could alter the

requirements and/or premiums.

8.3 Vandalism

encouraging involvement and a sense of ownership within the

local community and avoiding actively excluding anyone will

minimise vandalism. the following hints may assist in reducing

the risk of vandalism.

• Providesupportiveneighbourswithphonenumbersthey

can call if they see something suspicious

• Developsignagethatinformspeoplethegardenhasbeen

developed for and by the community

• Liaisewithschoolsandyouthgroupstodevelopactivitiesin

the garden that children and young people will enjoy

• Usespikyplantsandvinesonwallsandfencesthatinvite

graffiti, or invite local artists to develop murals, aerosol art

and mosaics

9 resources

9.1 Guidelines

• WaterCorporationWesternAustralia–Creating A

Waterwise Community Garden – Best Practice Guidelines,

www.watercorporation.com.au

• Watering Restrictions and Exemptions for Community

Gardens (WA), www.watercorporation.com.au

• Community Gardening in South Australia Resource Kit

(includes a range of fact sheets), www.canh.asn.au

• Cultivating Communities’ Good Practice Guide,

www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au

• Northey Street City Farm Policy and Procedures Manual,

www.nscf.org.au

9.2 Networks

• AustralianCityFarmsandCommunityGardensNetwork

(aCFCgn), www.communitygarden.org.au

• CommunityGardensWA,

www.communitygardenswa.org.au

• AustralianCommunityFoods,

www.communityfoods.org.au

• TheAmericanCommunityGardeningAssociation,

www.communitygarden.org

• CultivatingCommunityVictoria,

www.cultivatingcommunity.org.au

9.3 Best practice examples

• NortheyStreetCityFarm,

www.northeystreetcityfarm.org.au

• CERESEnvironmentPark,www.ceres.org.au

• PerthCityFarm,www.perthcityfarm.org.au


appendix a: Site assessment checklist

When assessing a possible site, ask the following questions.

❑ What community groups and businesses are nearby that

mightsupport/partnerorobjecttotheproject?Consider

churches, schools, childcare centres, community or aged

care facilities, environment groups, restaurants, chambers

of commerce, garden stores, nurseries etc.

❑ Wholivesnearby?Whatistheagerange?Ishousing

primarilypublic,community,privaterentalorowned?

Whatarepeople’sculturalandlinguisticbackgrounds?

❑ Howsafeandsecureisthesite?Isitnearothercommunity

facilities?Canitbeseenfromnearbyhousesorshopping

areas?Isthereanygraffitiorvandalism?Istherelighting?

Whatisthecrimerateinthearea?

❑ Whatotherlandusessurroundthesite?Consider

commercial, industrial, open space, major roads and

residential.

❑ What is the land currently used for (e.g. as a shortcut

for local residents, a place to dump rubbish, for illegal

activities,children’splayorsport,walkingdogsor

sleeping)?Willtheprojectconflictwiththeseuses?

❑ Whatplantsarealreadyonthesite?Arethereareasof

weedinfestation?Whatplantsgrowwellinthelocalarea?

❑ Howmuchlandisthere?Howmuchofthelandwillbe

suitableforgardens?

❑ Whoownstheland?Whatisthelandusezoning

category?Whatdoesthiszoningallow/restrict?

❑ Howdoeswatermovethroughthesite?Doesitsoakin

quicklyorcausewaterlogging?Aretherefloodingissues?

❑ What is the current ground cover (e.g. grass, gravel, paving,

compactedearth,concrete)?

❑ Whatistheslopeoftheland?Isthereopportunityfor

terracing or swales (mounds and trenches built on the

contouroftheslopethatallowinfiltrationofwater)?

❑ Whatisthesoiltype?Hassoiltestingbeenundertaken?

Whatisthehistoryofthesite?Isthereariskofsoil

contamination?

note: due to past industrial practices, soil within inner city areas

may have some contamination present. depending on the history

of the site, the city may determine if soil testing is required.

❑ Howmanyhoursofsundoesthesitegeteachday?Areany

largetreesorbuildingsblockingsolaraccess?

❑ Whatdirectiondoesthewindcomefrom?Isthewindlikely

toaffectplantgrowth?Istherewindturbulencecausedby

nearbybuildingsorwalls?

❑ Arethereanyexistingstructuresonsite?Considerbuildings,

seating, sheds, walls, fences, paving and existing gardens.

❑ Arethereexistingservicestothesite?Considerelectricity,

water, phone, sewers, stormwater drains, public transport

and parking.

❑ Aretheremajorroadsnearby?Ifso,aretherebarriersto

pollutionandnoisefromtraffic?Isitsafeforsmallchildren?

22 | City of SubiaCo community gArdening guide

appendix B: design features for consideration checklist

When designing a community garden consider including the

following features.

❑ Sensory elements – include scented plants, colour, public

art and auditory elements.

❑ opportunities for learning – incorporate areas and paths

with nodes that create opportunities for experiential

learning, demonstration and practical group activities

❑ accessibility – ensure the garden is accessible to those with

disabilities. For example, use raised garden beds to reduce

back strain and ensure pathways are wide enough for

prams and wheelchairs. if the community garden site is on

public land that is normally accessible to all, avoid fencing

and locked gates

❑ Socialisation – incorporate seating and informal sheltered

spaces to encourage people to spend time in the garden

❑ Sight lines – maintain clear lines of sight and avoid creating

hidden spaces

❑ Culture – include plants and traditions of the various

cultural groups that make up your neighbourhood

❑ minimal waste production – maximise the opportunities

for onsite management of organic waste generated by the

garden

❑ integrated soil fertility management – aim to grow the

organic material you need for mulch and composting

onsite, incorporate legume species and design in crop

rotation

❑ Sustainability – use recycled and local materials in

construction, avoid importing soils and other inputs and

grow a variety of plants

❑ Water management – maximise opportunities for water

harvesting and passive irrigation, while reducing run-off to

the stormwater system

❑ Solar access – planting and positioning of buildings and

infrastructure should not block northerly and easterly sun.

Plantings of shrubs on the western boundary can provide

shade from the hot afternoon sun

❑ design for integrated pest management – include a range

of plants that provide habitat for small birds, frogs, lizards

and predatory insects, and include sources of water

❑ Windbreaks – planting native trees and shrubs (or exotics

that are adapted to dry conditions) on the southern and

western perimeters will protect the garden and reduce

evaporation of valuable moisture in the soil

❑ design for biodiversity – when carefully designed,

community gardens can be part of a city-wide network

of local native bird and animal habitat, as well as a

demonstration of rare and local food species

24 | City of SubiaCo community gArdening guide

241 rokeby road, SuBiAco, WA 6008

Po Box 270, SuBiAco, WA 6904

Phone: (08) 9237 0942

email: [email protected] Website: www.subiaco.wa.gov.au

Documents

Community gardening - City of Subiaco - Home · City of SubiaCo community gArdening guide | 3 the City of Subiaco would like to acknowledge russ grayson and the City of Sydney for