# Community Gardens Australia > CGA ## Posts - [2015 ACFCGN gathering, Adelaide](https://communitygarden.org.au/2015-acfcgn-gathering/): What better place to talk community gardening than a building surrounded by all this food… a diverse forest of food at Fern Ave Community Garden for the ACFCGN’s 2015 national gathering... - [2015 Network Gathering Adelaide](https://communitygarden.org.au/our-network-our-future/): THAT’S THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S annual meeting of the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network (ACFCGN) in Adelaide, South Australia. - [The Network: community gardens as makerspaces](https://communitygarden.org.au/the-network-community-gardens-as-makerspaces/): Community gardeners — they're a community of practice long a part of the fair food movement in Australia… - [Yes or no? Responding to requests for interviews](https://communitygarden.org.au/yes-or-no-responding-to-requests-for-interviews/): WHEN do requests for student interviews go from enough to too much? - [Growing organically in Randwick's sandy east](https://communitygarden.org.au/growing-organically-in-randwicks-sandy-east/): A course for those who prefer to grow a little of what they eat... - [Cities feeding themselves](https://communitygarden.org.au/cities-feeding-themselves/): A visit to a few of our community gardens... - [2014 Food 4 Thought — good people, good place, great conviviality](https://communitygarden.org.au/2014-food-4-thought-gathering/): If you didn't make it to the 2014 national community garden gathering in Hobart, take a peek at the two photo essays by Russ Grayson ... - [Vegetable and fish — all in together](https://communitygarden.org.au/vegetable-and-fish-all-in-together/): AQUAPONICS — it's way to grow vegetables and fish together, without soil here at the Randwick Organic Community Garden ... - [Food forest in the city](https://communitygarden.org.au/food-forest-in-the-city/): Addison Road's forest garden — an open access community food initiative building an urban fair food system. Story essay by Russ Grayson ... - [2014/15 committee](https://communitygarden.org.au/2014-15-committee/): 2014-2015 ACFCGN team... - [A matrix for assessing community garden applications](https://communitygarden.org.au/matrix-for-assessment/): HERE’S a simple spreadsheet I made use of in assessing community, school kitchen garden and footpath gardens, as well as community food initiative proposals... - [Book launch: Nature Crafts for Aussie Kids includes which native plants to use and grow](https://communitygarden.org.au/nature-craft-for-aussie-kids/): At Food 4 Thought gathering, Adelaide teacher, artist and author, Kate Hubmayer, launched her new book — Nature Crafts for Aussie Kids ... - [Defending civic agriculture](https://communitygarden.org.au/defending-civic-agriculture/): This article was written for the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network following criticism in February 2014 of community food gardening and farmers' markets by a representative body of the vegetable industry. - [Find common interests instead of criticising, says Network](https://communitygarden.org.au/find-common-interests-instead-of-criticising-says-network/): Community gardeners have reacted with consternation to AUSVEG's criticisms of the community gardens they use to provide food for their families and to socialise with others in healthy, outdoor recreation. - [School gardens with Dan Deighton & Aaron Sorenson](https://communitygarden.org.au/dan-and-aaron-eco-topia-12/): Educators Daniel Deighton and Aaron Sorensen teamed up to germinate the Permaculture Classroom Training Garden Ambassadors Program. - [School gardens with Leonie Shanahan](https://communitygarden.org.au/leonie-shanahan-eco-topia-12/): Leonie's session gives an overview of the different schools she have been involved in and how she runs the edible school gardens program. - [Seedsavers' Network with Michel and Jude Fanton](https://communitygarden.org.au/seedsavers-network/): Jude and Michel Fanton are best known as the inventors of the Seed Savers' Network, the national citizens' seed exchange. - [Highlights of Eco-topia 2012](https://communitygarden.org.au/highlights-of-eco-topia-2012/): Eco-topia 2012 highlights. - [Bringing life into your school or community garden: David Engwicht](https://communitygarden.org.au/david-engwicht/): David Engwicht takes us on a journey of the art, science and practice of placemaking. - [Opening address from Costa Georgiadis Eco-topia 2012](https://communitygarden.org.au/costa-georgiadis-at-eco-topia-2012/): Opening address from Costa Georgiadis at Eco-topia 2012 - [Footpath gardening—what we've learnt: Russ Grayson](https://communitygarden.org.au/russ-grayson-footpath-gardening/): Footpath gardening changes thoroughfares—urban spaces along which people hurry—into places where they linger. - [In designing community gardens, social design comes first](https://communitygarden.org.au/in-designing-community-gardens-social-design-comes-first/): Community garden planning should be a people-led, not a design-led process. - [Green manure fertilises sandy soils at educational garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/green-fuzz-fertilises-sandy-soils-at-educational-garden/): Sandy soils.. yes... they're the bane of many a coastal grower but now the PIG team are working with nature to apply a tried and tested solution... - [Green Square Growers make their first Wicking Worm Garden Bed](https://communitygarden.org.au/green-square-growers/): At The Tote in Victoria Park in inner urban Sydney, an enthusiastic and creative bunch known as Green Square Growers has enlivened a plain public space with a self-watering food garden... - [Directory of South Australian Community Gardens — 2012](https://communitygarden.org.au/directory-of-south-australian-community-gardens-2012/): 2012 — community gardens around South Australia - [SA newsletters — 2005-2012](https://communitygarden.org.au/sa-newsletters/): SA Community & School Garden Network occasional newsletters - [2011 ACFCGN annual gathering](https://communitygarden.org.au/2011-acfcgn-gathering/): Like to actively supporting and network community gardeners around Australia? Join us at our phone AGM—Tuesday 29 Nov '11, 8pm EST... - [Sydney's first community garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/glovers-garden-sydneys-first/): ...story by Russ Grayson first appeared in the ABC Organic Gardener magazine Autumn '06. Jane Mowbray knew something was wrong when her jacket started to melt... - [At it again, those verge gardeners](https://communitygarden.org.au/verge-gardeners/): Something new has appeared in Shepherd Street. It's long and sort of green, and there's stuff growing in it... - [1999 to 2011 ACFCGN past newsletters](https://communitygarden.org.au/1999-2011-acfcgn-past-newsletters/): ACFCGN print newsletters... - [How to resuscitate plants after flooding-advice from Brisbane](https://communitygarden.org.au/floods/): Dick Copeman reports... While out helping clean up after the flood in West End and other nearby suburbs of Brisbane, I had a number of discussions about what to do to resuscitate gardens that had been flooded... - [Citizens and council cooperate to develop community gardening policy](https://communitygarden.org.au/leichhardt/): In January 2011, 45 people gathered in the cavernous Leichhardt Town Hall to assist Council develop a policy on community gardening... - [Fast fruits](https://communitygarden.org.au/fast-fruits/): Fast, tasty, abundant — the fast fruits are suitable for even small community gardens... - [claire nettle reports on the SA community garden gathering 2010](https://communitygarden.org.au/claire-nettle-reports-on-the-sa-community-garden-gathering/): The SA Community and School Gardening Network held its twice-yearly Gathering on 21st November. .. - [Community garden conference — Canberra](https://communitygarden.org.au/canberra-conference-2010/): 2010 community garden conference in Canberra, was attended by the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens committee. - [Network submission to Sydney Metropolitan Strategy](https://communitygarden.org.au/network-submission-sydney-metropolitan-strategy/): If Sydney is to retain that portion of its food supply produced in its urban fringe foodlands, the state government needs to move soon to secure agricultural land for farming in perpetuity. This, and the need for a 'Sydney Grown' label to identify food produced in the Greater Sydney region, are among proposals made in the Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Network's (NSW group) submission to the review of the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy... - [ACFCGN submission to City of Sydney 2010](https://communitygarden.org.au/acfcgn-sydney-cg-policy-jan10/): The Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network (NSW section) made a submission to the City of Sydney's policy on community gardens during the policy's public exhibition phase in 2010... - [2010 Tasmania community gardening conference](https://communitygarden.org.au/tas_conference-2010/): A speaking engagement at the Tasmanian Community Garden Network annual conference leads to an edible tour of the island state, the gem of the Southern Ocean... - [Network encourages Minister to support city fringe foodlands](https://communitygarden.org.au/mr-city-fringe-foodlands-jun1/): Following its submission to the review of the Sydney Metropolitan strategy, the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network issues this media release... - [Book to help start and nurture community gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/sa_book/): Those South Australians are an innovative and busy lot. Now they've launched a book on starting and nurturing community gardens... - [It's roll-your-own compost at city farm](https://communitygarden.org.au/compost-northey-street-2010/): At Brisbane's Northey Street City Farm, they make compost the rolling way... - [Permaculture design's role in community gardening](https://communitygarden.org.au/permaculture-designs-role-in-community-gardening/): This is an opinion piece about the role of the permaculture design system in community gardening... - [2009 ACFCGN gathering](https://communitygarden.org.au/2009-agm/): CARSS PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN was still a construction site, however it proved a successful venue for the 2009 Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network’s (ACFCGN) 2009 meet-up and annual general meeting, an event combined with the quarterly Sydney Community Garden Network (SCGN) gathering - [2009 Sydney CG MeetUP & tours — inner-urban gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/sydney-network-meets-nov0/): THE NEWTOWN GATHERING of the Sydney Community Gardens Supporters Network in November 2009 - [Basic infrastructure for successful community gardening](https://communitygarden.org.au/basic-infrastructure/): THERE IS A COMMON SET OF DESIGN ELEMENTS that make the experience of community gardening an enjoyable one. - [Choice reports positively on community gardening](https://communitygarden.org.au/choice-reports-2009/): Choice magazine has reported positively on community gardening in its September 2009 edition. - [Crisis response — community gardeners a cadre to scale-up urban food production](https://communitygarden.org.au/crisis-response/): Community gardeners could form a cadre of experienced trainers to scale-up food production in the cities in the event of any prolonged food shortage... - [Small urban livestock offers protein in small spaces](https://communitygarden.org.au/small-urban-live-stock/): Small urban livestock offer productivity in a small area and a supply of fresh meat. A city farm demonstrates how rabbits can be kept humanely for food... - [It's fish and vegies at Perth City Farm](https://communitygarden.org.au/fish-perth-city-farm/): THE SMART FOLK over at Perth City Farm have found a way to enjoy some tasty fish with the vegetables they grow. This they do through an aquaponic system... - [From idea to reality: Carrs Park Community Garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/carss-park-cg-oct-2009/): ...cooperation, collaboration and leadership make a project happen - [Gillies Plains Community Garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/gillies-plains-community-garden/): The Gilles Plains Community Garden, a project that received funding under the Strategy, provides insights into how this capacity can be developed, and then used for a series of activities. - [WA Community Gardens Forum 2009](https://communitygarden.org.au/wa-forum09/): To kick things off, we’re having a celebratory sundowner... WHEN: Friday 18 September at 5.15pm End your week in the relaxing surrounds of Perth City Farm, enjoy a wine on us, catch up and make new connections with other community garden enthusiasts and soak up the excitement... - [Tasmania newsletters](https://communitygarden.org.au/tasmania_nl/): Tasmania's Community & School Garden Network occasional newsletters - [Ten ways council can help support community gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/getting-started-local-govt-2009/): The Urban Sustainability Support Alliance (USSA) of the Local Government Association of NSW and Shires Association of NSW published an item for local government about community gardening in July 2009. - [2008 Tasmanian conference](https://communitygarden.org.au/tas-conference08/): You are warmly invited to Tasmania's annual gardening gathering... GROWING COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE '08 'Seeds of Change' - [ACFCGN submission — Randwick market gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/randwick-market-gardens/): In 2008, the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network made a submission to the NSW Department of Lands' Phillip Bay Land Assessment in favour of retaining the existing market gardens... - [Happy New Life Garden — recipes](https://communitygarden.org.au/happy-new-life-garden-recipes/): The creation of this 28-page book was a bit like the 'Happy New Life Garden' itself; a little bit haphazard, idiosyncratic and characterful. - [Simple pleasures — recipes](https://communitygarden.org.au/simple-pleasures/): Recipes from the residents of Loxton Lodge, November 2007 - [Community gardening — the benefits](https://communitygarden.org.au/benefits/): A brief summary of the main benefits of community gardening. - [2006 ACFCGN annual conference decisions](https://communitygarden.org.au/2006-acfcgn-annual-conference-decisions/): Conference decisions, SA, 2006... - [Evaluating Sydney's community gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/evaluation/): This 1995 evaluation of Sydney's community gardens, with a brief 2006 update, assesses community gardening in terms of relevance, impact, efficiency, effectiveness, progress and sustainability... - [Cooking with cobb](https://communitygarden.org.au/cobb/): Hot food straight from the oven in a community garden? But aren't ovens found inside buildings? Not in community gardens that have taken up cooking with cobb. - [Looking back, a brief history of community gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/history-of-community-gardens-in-australia/): A brief article on the brief history of community gardening in Australia and its longer history in other countries... - [Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Network history](https://communitygarden.org.au/2002-the-network/): 2002 — a history of the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network - [2016 — Paper presented at the International Permaculture Convergence](https://communitygarden.org.au/2016-paper-presented-at-the-international-permaculture-convergence/): Community Gardens: places for food production, places for peopleby Neal [...] - [1996 Inventory](https://communitygarden.org.au/1996-inventory/): 1996 inventory — the start of ACFCGN... - [Tomato potato psyllid](https://communitygarden.org.au/tomato-potato-psyllid/): The Tomato Potato Psyllid is a small flying insect that is the size of a winged aphid. - [The fall armyworm](https://communitygarden.org.au/fall-armyworm/): The fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda) is a destructive exotic moth. - [Brown marmorated stink bug](https://communitygarden.org.au/brown-marmorated-stink-bug/): The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is one of Australia’s most unwanted exotic pests. - [Community gardens or related: theses, papers, and reports](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-gardens-or-related-theses-and-reports/): A listing of theses, reports and conference papers... - [Composting coffee grounds](https://communitygarden.org.au/composting-coffee-grounds/): A poster by Golden Brown Tasmania on how to compost coffee grounds in your school or community garden... - [Zero Waste Initiative For Community Gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/zero-waste-initiative-for-community-gardens/): We have created a PDF as a useful resource for Launceston schools and community covering methods to reduce waste and creating useful resources from waste. - [2020 Community Garden Survey Results](https://communitygarden.org.au/2020-community-garden-survey-results/): Our yearly national survey of community gardens helps us to see the developments happening in community gardens across Australia and build a better picture of how they are progressing. - [How to join a Community Garden on the Gold Coast](https://communitygarden.org.au/goldcoast-community-gardens/): When you walk into any of the community gardens on the Gold Coast you will see a passionate gardener. - [2021 President's report](https://communitygarden.org.au/2021-presidents-report/): 2021 President's Report by Naomi Lacey... - [Signs convey welcome](https://communitygarden.org.au/signs-convey-welcome/): SIGNAGE is important in community gardens. Placed at the garden entrance, it helps to establish... - [Community garden song at WA gathering](https://communitygarden.org.au/song-wa-gathering/): At Perth City Farm, Wongi elder Aunty Josie Boyle performing the Community Garden Song... - [Insurance offer for Queensland community gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/insurance-offer-for-queensland-community-gardens/): CGA is encouraging Queensland community gardens to become members of QWaLC... - [2021 AGM](https://communitygarden.org.au/agm-2021/): Come and join us for our AGM, followed by a Q&A session with Costa Georgiardis exclusively for our members! - [Naomi Lacey talks with CityChangers.org](https://communitygarden.org.au/naomi-lacey-talks-with-citychangers-org/): CGA's President, Naomi Lacey talks with CityChangers.org - [Chook pen design at Perth City Farm](https://communitygarden.org.au/chook-pen-design-perth-city-farm/): An example of a chicken run at Perth City Farm... - [Community garden signs at Perth City Farm](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-garden-signs/): Check out some of the signs at Perth City Farm - [Connect with Community Food Forests and Orchard](https://communitygarden.org.au/connect-with-community-food-forests-and-orchard/): A video about Gavin Hardy's passion and expertise in creating innovative public green spaces... - [How-to guides and information sheets](https://communitygarden.org.au/information-sheets/): Download our information sheets by the link provided... - [Care farming & gardening in the climate emergency](https://communitygarden.org.au/care-farming-gardening-in-the-climate-emergency/): CGA's President, Naomi Lacey, interviewed with Anthea Fawcett from Nourishing matters to chew on... - [The Pandemic Gardening Survey Report](https://communitygarden.org.au/the-pandemic-gardening-survey-report/): by Sustain: the Australian food network, 2020... - [Calytrix exstipulata](https://communitygarden.org.au/calytrix-exstipulata/): A small to a medium-sized shrub that rarely exceeds 2m in height but can reach up to 4.5m. - [Tasty saltbush](https://communitygarden.org.au/tasty-saltbush/): Saltbush, it grows in coastal ecosystems and dry inland areas of Australia. - [Pigface](https://communitygarden.org.au/pigface/): Pig face is a sprawling succulent common on coastal sand dunes. Noticable for its bright magenta or pale yellow-coloured flowers and thick, juicy angular leaves, it is an Australian bush food. - [Finger lime](https://communitygarden.org.au/finger-lime/): Finger lime is a tasty and citrusy small tree for the home and community garden as well as for the commercial orchard. - [Lillypilly time](https://communitygarden.org.au/lillypilly-time/): The little red fruit on the ground was the giveaway. Reddish and around a centimetre in diameter — the lillypilly... - [Black Sapote](https://communitygarden.org.au/black-sapote/): A lush evergreen tree typically reaching about 10m in height, it has been known to grow to 25m in some areas. - [Black Mulberry](https://communitygarden.org.au/black-mulberry/): In the tropics, this tree tends more towards being a spindly shrub that can grow up to about 4m in height. - [Lemon myrtle a tasty tree](https://communitygarden.org.au/lemon-myrtle-a-tasty-flavour/): Lemon myrtle is an indigenous Australian tree for larger community or home gardens unless grown as a pruned specimen. - [Aloe Vera](https://communitygarden.org.au/aloe-vera/): A stemless succulent that grows to 1m. - [New Zealand spinach, Warragul greens](https://communitygarden.org.au/new-zealand-spinach-warragul-greens/): It's one of those set-and-forget plants that serves multiple purposes in our community garden, not the least of which is a leafy green vegetable that enhances any cooked meal. - [Midyim berry — an Australian bush food ready to eat](https://communitygarden.org.au/midyim-berry/): Midyim berry, an Australian bush food eaten by Aboriginies. - [Acacia gonocarpa](https://communitygarden.org.au/acacia-gonocarpa/): A low rounded shrub that grows up to 2m. - [How to Start a Community Garden: A 10-Step Guide](https://communitygarden.org.au/starting-a-community-garden/): There are two ways to start a community garden, from the bottom up or the top down. - [INFO SHEET: Common objections](https://communitygarden.org.au/common-objections/): There are a number of reasons that people have objections to the repurposing of public land for community garden development. - [Starting a community garden checklist](https://communitygarden.org.au/checklist/): After visiting community gardens, use this checklist in a debriefing session.... - [Plan of management template](https://communitygarden.org.au/plan-of-management/): CGA has been working with local government and new community garden groups to... - [INFO SHEET: Starting with garden design](https://communitygarden.org.au/garden-design/): When it comes to our food-producing home and community gardens, design is the process by which we think then build... - [INFO SHEET: Understanding our site](https://communitygarden.org.au/understanding-our-site/): Needs, sector, and site analysis bring together the information we need to build our community, home, or small-scale commercial market garden.  - [INFO SHEET: Materials for building](https://communitygarden.org.au/materials/): The public is protective of its public lands such as city parks, and poorly built and maintained community gardens are likely to trigger complaints to council.  - [Common sense garden safety](https://communitygarden.org.au/safety/): A guide to safety in the community garden... keeping gardening safe for all... - [INFO SHEET: Community gardening](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-gardens/): Community gardens are found on land owned by local government, schools, churches, and on state government social housing estates. - [INFO SHEET: Organic gardening](https://communitygarden.org.au/organic-gardening/): Organic gardening is an approach to growing food, ornamentals, and native plants using a combination of traditional and scientific gardening techniques. - [Composting Made Easy with ADAM](https://communitygarden.org.au/composting/): Composting turns our kitchen and garden wastes into plant food — almost 50 percent of waste produced in the home can be composted. - [INFO SHEET: Creating good soils](https://communitygarden.org.au/soils/): Fertile, nutritious soils are the basis of prolific, productive organic gardens. - [INFO SHEET: No-dig or mulch gardening](https://communitygarden.org.au/no-dig/): No-dig gardening reuses waste newspaper and cardboard. Food and garden wastes are turned into compost. Recycled materials such as crushed concrete, bricks, pavers, wood chip and sawdust can be reused to make paths and garden edges. - [INFO SHEET: Using water wisely](https://communitygarden.org.au/using-water-wisely/): Combined with the compost and mulch, harvesting and using rainwater is another water-conserving technique... - [INFO SHEET: Making a food forest](https://communitygarden.org.au/food-forest/): In designing our home or community garden we can increase the quantity and diversity of food it yields if we include a forest garden, sometimes called a food forest or an orchard. - [INFO SHEET: Managing garden pests](https://communitygarden.org.au/pests/): Integrated Pest Management — known as IPM — is the smart approach to managing garden pests. - [INFO SHEET: Crop rotation](https://communitygarden.org.au/crop-rotation/): Crop rotation moves different types of vegetables through the same garden bed over time. - [INFO SHEET: Container gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/container-gardens/): It’s not just apartment dwellers who benefit from container gardening. - [INFO SHEET: Verge gardening](https://communitygarden.org.au/verge-gardening/): The established practice of planting native and exotic plants on the verge, the space between the footpath and the road, extends habitat for wildlife in our cities. Now, the growing of food extends habitat for humans. - [Design guidelines for street verge gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/verge-gardens/): Before we rush out to replace the nature strip lawn with vegetables, there are a few design considerations... - [Creating a perma-culture](https://communitygarden.org.au/permaculture/): The permaculture design system is a means of making our homes, our neighbourhoods and our lives more resilient. - [Planning a PermaBlitz](https://communitygarden.org.au/permablitz/): Permablitz is an invention of the permaculture design system. It is as applicable in the community garden as it is in the home garden. - [INFO SHEET: Community food systems](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-food/): Community food systems are a do-it-yourself way to obtain the food we prefer to eat. - [INFO SHEET: Blogging our stories](https://communitygarden.org.au/blogging/): HOW WOULD YOU LIKE to blog about your community gardening experience, about your garden, your ideas, the gardeners, the plants, the design and management of community gardens and city farms? - [INFO SHEET: The media release](https://communitygarden.org.au/media-release/): AS A MEANS for organisations to distribute information, the media release is an artefact of the old journalism of newspapers, print magazines, radio and TV that continues in the era of online media. - [What is a community garden?](https://communitygarden.org.au/what-is-a-community-garden/): Community gardens and city farms are places where people come together to grow fresh food, to learn, relax and make new friends. - [Costa Georgiadis](https://communitygarden.org.au/costa-georgiadis/): Our Garden Ambassador... - [Hannah Moloney](https://communitygarden.org.au/hannah-moloney/): Our Permaculture Ambassador... - [John McBain](https://communitygarden.org.au/john-mcbain/): Our Sustainability Ambassador... - [2019/20 committee](https://communitygarden.org.au/2019-20-team/): 2019-2020 CGA team... - [Useful plants](https://communitygarden.org.au/useful-plants/): As community gardeners we make biodiverse gardens combining food, exotic and native plants... - [The uses of cardamom](https://communitygarden.org.au/the-uses-of-cardamom/): Cardamom is a tropical plant whose centre of diversity, the region of its natural occurrence, is India. - [Queensland News — Summer 2020-21](https://communitygarden.org.au/queensland-enews-summer-2020-21/): Welcome to the Summer 2020-21 edition of CGA’s Queensland eNews. Wow, [...] - [City adopts footpath gardening policy](https://communitygarden.org.au/city-adopts-footpath-garening-policy/): The City of Sydney has adopted a policy that streamlines the installation of DIY footpath gardens for householders and business... - [Covid-19 warning and protocol template](https://communitygarden.org.au/covid-19-warning-and-protocol-template/): Please use this file as a base document for your garden’s needs. - [2019 Community Garden Survey results](https://communitygarden.org.au/2019-community-garden-survey-results/): We have been running a national survey of community gardens to [...] - [How to host a Sydney Regional Community Garden MeetUp](https://communitygarden.org.au/how-to-host-a-sydney-regional-community-garden-meetup/): Our MeetUPs are an informal social gathering where gardeners have a chance to share the highlights of what has been going on in their garden and look for ideas to help with those things that are not going as well as they would like. - [2019 President's report](https://communitygarden.org.au/2019-presidents-report/): 2019 President's Report by Naomi Lacey... - [2018/19 committee](https://communitygarden.org.au/2018-19-committee/): 2018/19 ACFCGN team... - [2018 AGM](https://communitygarden.org.au/agm-2018/): The AGM is your opportunity to learn more about our amazing national community garden movement. It also is an opportunity to play a formal role in ACFCGN by standing for a committee position. - [2018 President's report](https://communitygarden.org.au/2018-presidents-report/): 2018 President's report by John McBain... - [Bananas](https://communitygarden.org.au/bananas/): If your community garden is in a warm climate with plenty of rain, a compact clump of bananas will provide your gardeners with a tasty treat. - [Purslane](https://communitygarden.org.au/purslane/): Some call it a weed. Those in the know call it food. Purslane is a low-maintenance plant that can cope with summer's heat in your community garden. - [French sorrel](https://communitygarden.org.au/french-sorrel/): French sorrel is one of those perennial plants that yield something edible through the year. It's worth having a sizeable clump of the plant in the community garden, or establishing it as a border along the garden edge son there is plenty to share. - [Jerusalem artichoke](https://communitygarden.org.au/jerusalem-artichoke/): Root crops like Jerusalem artichoke are a staple food that we can grow in our community garden... - [Black sapote — chocolate pudding fruit](https://communitygarden.org.au/black-sapote-chocolate-pudding-fruit/): It is soft, black and gooey. It looks past its prime. It is all these things and it is delicious... - [Pawpaw — another fast fruit](https://communitygarden.org.au/pawpaw/): Another of the fast-fruits, Pawpaw is well worth planting in community gardens in the warm temperate to tropical zone. - [Babaco — bit like a pawpaw but not quite](https://communitygarden.org.au/babaco/): It's another of the fast-fruits, those quick-to-fruit species that we can plant in our community gardens and that take little space. - [Chooks: their needs](https://communitygarden.org.au/chooks-their-needs/): If plants are the stationery parts of the community garden, chooks are the mobile parts... - [2018 President's Report](https://communitygarden.org.au/2018-presidents-report-2/): Your committee has been very active. 2018 is shaping up to be a very productive year... - [2017 Presidents Report](https://communitygarden.org.au/2017-presidents-report/): ACFCGN's AGM and President's Report @ CERES — 7, 8 October 2017, by Peta Christensen - [2017/18 committee](https://communitygarden.org.au/2017-18-committee/): 2017/18 ACFCGN team... - [Community Gardens & council concerns](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-gardens-council-concerns/): Story and photos by Russ Grayson It seems a simple [...] - [Community garden directory — Campbelltown](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-garden-directory-campbelltown/): The aim of the Campbelltown Community Garden Directory is to [...] - [Which Kale is really a Swede?!](https://communitygarden.org.au/which-kale-is-really-a-swede/): People are very excited about kale these days. This is a love-hate vegetable. There are signs in Sydney suburbs declaring it a magical wonder food. An article in the Sydney Morning Herald reckons people only eat it when it tastes nothing like kale e.g. the famous kale chip... - [2017 Gathering and AGM — CERES](https://communitygarden.org.au/agm-2017/): 7-8 October 2017 — for the ACFCGN annual gathering and AGM at CERES on Saturday 7 October and garden tours in Geelong on Sunday 8 October 2017. - [2016 ACFCGN — our story at AGM](https://communitygarden.org.au/agm-2016/): Outline of ACFCGN meeting — Murdock University Community Garden — 31 September 2016 - [An interview about footpath gardens raises questions](https://communitygarden.org.au/an-interview-about-footpath-gardens-raises-questions/): It was an imaginative idea, I thought, when it started to attract a greater number of practitioners almost a decade ago... - [It's been 20 years — the eleven big achievements of the ACFCGN](https://communitygarden.org.au/its-been-20-years-the-eleven-big-achievements-of-the-acfcgn/): IT HAS BEEN 20 years since the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network bloomed into existence like a seed in fertile soil. It started when Fiona Campbell and I called a meeting at the old (and now demolished) Randwick Community Centre of what we imagined would be the mere handful of community gardeners in Sydney. - [2016 President's report — October](https://communitygarden.org.au/presidents-report-acfcgn-agm-1-october-2016/): 2016 has been a big year for the Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Network. For several years now the ACFCGN management Committee has discussed and researched the pros and cons of having a paid membership system. - [2016 — Costas Georgiadis, our ambassador, celebrates 20 years of ACFCGN](https://communitygarden.org.au/20-years-of-acfcgn/): The Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network is excited to have our ambassador, Costa Georgiadis (host of Gardening Australia) celebrating our 20 years with us. - [2016/17 committee](https://communitygarden.org.au/2016-17-committee/): 2016/17 ACFCGN team... - [The community food movement: communications and cooperation needed](https://communitygarden.org.au/the-community-food-movement/): Australia has a community food movement but it could be improved if it is to thrive, finds a NSW government enquiry into future support for the movement… Community Food Initiatives 2015 report - [Edible roots for the community garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/edible-roots-for-the-community-garden/): Root crops are carbohydrate staples that deserve space in the community garden... - [Healing gardens at Perth City Farm](https://communitygarden.org.au/healing-gardens-at-perth-city-farm/): Story by Toni Salter, September 2015... Perth City Farm is certainly an example of how many different people can experience wholeness through spending time in the garden. - [2015/16 committee](https://communitygarden.org.au/2015-16-committee/): 2015-2016 ACFCGN team... - [City of Sydney review of community gardening documents](https://communitygarden.org.au/city-of-sydney-review-of-community-gardening-documents/): The Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network has made a submission proposing improvements to the three documents on community gardening under review by the City of Sydney… - [Community support saves footpath garden in Joondalup](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-support-saves-footpath-garden-joondalup/): The ACFCGN has written to the mayor of the City of Joondalup in Western Australia to commend the City on its June decision to retain the footpath garden started by local resident, Marie Hahn of Kingsley. - [Australasian Permaculture Convergence 2027 - event details announced](https://communitygarden.org.au/australasian-permaculture-convergence-2027-event-details-announced/): Australasian Permaculture Convergence – Return to the Village Festival 20-26 April 2027 – Woodfordia, Queensland The Australasian Permaculture Convergence (APC) is the longest-running gathering of the permaculture community in our region. Since 1984, permaculture practitioners, educators, farmers, designers, activists, community leaders and curious newcomers have come together to share ideas, build relationships and explore the evolving future of permaculture. 2027 will be a particularly special year as we celebrate 50 years of permaculture and design the next 50 years together. Together, at the Return to the Village Festival, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of the next 50, and celebrate the power [...] - [2026 WA Community Growing Conference](https://communitygarden.org.au/2026-wa-community-growing-conference/): Join us for a day of inspiration, practical learning and connection at the 2026 WA Community Growing Conference, bringing together community gardeners, volunteers, sustainability advocates and anyone passionate about growing food and building stronger communities. Presented by Community Gardens Australia in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, this exciting event will be held at The Wetlands Centre, Bibra Lake on Saturday 15 August, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. The day features inspiring presentations from Mel Logozzo, Brownwyn Chompff-Gliddon and Peg Davies, along with a panel discussion on growing volunteer support and community engagement. We’re also thrilled to welcome Josh [...] - [Top community gardening resources for Australian gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/top-community-gardening-resources-for-australian-gardens/): Community Gardens Australia has gathered the most practical, highly-rated resources to help your community garden thrive. From Gardening Australia episodes to podcasts, magazines, and sustainable networks, these picks deliver actionable advice and real community stories for Australian community gardens. Books Flavours of Launceston is a 112-page spiral-bound recipe book that can lay flat on your kitchen bench. There are 59 recipes from community gardeners around the Launceston area of Tasmania. Community Gardens Penny Woodward and Pam Vardy, a classic which revels in the richness and diversity of these inner-city community gardens, and let the people who use them be your guides [...] - [What type of garden bed is right for your community garden?](https://communitygarden.org.au/garden-beds/): Choosing the right garden bed is one of the most important decisions for any community garden. The best option will depend on your budget, available space, water access, accessibility needs, and long-term maintenance capacity. For Australian community gardens, the right bed design can make the difference between a productive, inclusive garden and one that struggles with cost, watering, or upkeep. Choosing the right bed type Community gardens generally use three main types of beds: in-ground beds, raised garden beds, and wicking beds. In-ground beds are often the most affordable option to establish, especially where soil is already healthy and suitable for [...] - [Three national organisations unite to supercharge community food growing in 2026](https://communitygarden.org.au/three-national-organisations-unite-to-supercharge-community-food-growing-in-2026/): Community Gardens Australia, Grow It Local, and Permaculture Australia have announced an exciting national partnership to deliver the 2026 Community Growing Conference series — a powerful collaboration set to provide a major boost to food growing communities across Australia. In 2026, Community Gardens Australia will lead the delivery of its annual State Conferences (formerly known as Community Garden Gatherings), with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia coming on board as key partners. Together, the three organisations represent tens of thousands of local growers, garden leaders, permaculture practitioners and sustainability advocates nationwide. The partnership brings together complementary strengths: CGA’s national leadership in [...] - [2026 Community Growing Conferences](https://communitygarden.org.au/2026-community-growing-conferences/): In 2026, CGA’s State Conferences — formerly known as our much-loved Community Garden Gatherings — are stepping into an exciting new chapter. This year, we are thrilled to be delivering the conferences in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, bringing together three passionate forces in community food growing. The result? A bigger, richer, more inspiring experience for everyone who cares about gardens, food, sustainability and community connection. Across each state, the 2026 conferences will feature an incredible line-up of speakers — from grassroots community leaders to nationally recognised voices in regenerative growing and local food systems. Expect thought-provoking keynote [...] - [Canberrans to explore community garden options](https://communitygarden.org.au/canberrans-to-explore-community-garden-options/): Community Gardens Australia (CGA) has been engaged by the Suburban Land Agency (SLA) in Canberra to work with the local community in a growing residential development in Lawson.  CGA and the SLA will be setting up opportunities to hear what people have to say about what they would want to see included in a local community garden and gauge interest in the potential project. CGA’s own Naomi Lacey will be leading the project, starting with a consultation process to get the conversation started. “Community gardens are deeply rooted in place. They help people in so many ways – helping them grow [...] - [2025 Annual SA Gathering](https://communitygarden.org.au/2025-annual-sa-gathering/): The Annual SA Gathering at Glenelg North Community Centre was a wonderful day of inspiration for our members. Kicking off with a magnificent Welcome To Country from our sisters at Spirit In Unity there was much singing and dancing from everyone present. So much fun and a wonderful start to the day. Was fabulous to see all the smiling, happy faces and watching Costa work up a sweat, dancing his heart out to Warumpi Band! Brenton Kortman from the SA Rare Fruit Society talked about growing subtropical species in the Adelaide region. His tips and tricks were a hot topic of [...] - [WA Biosecurity Blitz](https://communitygarden.org.au/wa-biosecurity-blitz/): The Biosecurity Blitz – A Great Way to Share Your Discoveries! Gardens are more than just beautiful spaces; they’re living ecosystems full of stories waiting to be discovered. From bees pollinating fruit trees to caterpillars munching on vegetables, every organism plays a role. But not all garden grubs are welcome. Some pests can harm plants, spread disease and threaten our environment. Join the 2025 Biosecurity Blitz from 16 October to 16 November and help protect Western Australia’s gardens, forests, farms and waterways. This 32-day community event is your chance to explore your backyard, sharpen your observation skills, and contribute to real [...] - [Spirit In Unity](https://communitygarden.org.au/spirit-in-unity/): CGA has utilised the services of Spirit in Unity to welcome participants at the South Australian Annual Gatherings for the past two years. The message these two wonderful women have to share is unique and very special and we want to share what they have to offer with you all. If you need a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony or art or music workshop in SA, these are the women to call! _____________________________ “Spirit in Unity’s” Consultants, “Naomi and Maureen”, aim to: Help you see, hear, feel, your connection to ‘Traditional Country’, Help you see, hear, feel your connection to ‘Caretake [...] - [The Australian Worm Firm](https://communitygarden.org.au/the-australian-worm-firm/): Our organic food growing movement started out in 2019 in a South Aussie, urban backyard, growing worms, sifting castings with a home made trommel, hand sewing sacks and more! We sold our worms and castings at local markets. We then graduated to manufacturing worm farms (the stacking Worm Castle) and had to rent a warehouse to accommodate this expansion in operations. Once established at 61 Anderson Walk, Smithfield, posting the worm farms and worms across Australia via our online store, we opened our doors to local sales, assisted by a few plants and an organic fertiliser range, called Microtek Organics. Being worm [...] - [Feeding Australia - community gardens and local food security](https://communitygarden.org.au/feeding-australia-community-gardens-and-local-food-security/): As the peak body for community gardens across Australia, CGA is a tireless advocate for the important roles that community gardens play in people’s lives. The Australian Government is currently developing a national food security strategy and recently called for submissions to a discussion paper, ahead of a consultation phase in 2026. Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy is being developed with farmers and fishers, industry and the community. It aims to boost the productivity, resilience and security of our food system. In our submission to the discussion paper, we made these key points: CGA represents a vibrant, active and [...] - [Nominate for the Community Gardens Australia Awards 2025](https://communitygarden.org.au/nominate-for-the-community-gardens-australia-awards-2025/): It’s awards season, which means it’s your time to shine! Community gardens from every corner of Australia are invited to nominate for a Community Gardens Australia (CGA) award. Nominations opened on National Community Gardens Day, 2 November and will close 8 February 2026. Winners will be announced online with Costa – date TBA – live on Facebook for Costa’s Community Garden Odyssey and published on the CGA website at the same time. Winners will receive a certificate, a small gardening-related prize and bragging rights at your next gathering. Categories are: COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD for gardens that reach out to their communities. [...] - [Thanks to Naomi Lacey, our long serving Chair!](https://communitygarden.org.au/thanks-naomi/):               A Heartfelt Thank You to Naomi Lacey for more than a decade of service to the Board The CGA Board of Directors extends its heartfelt thanks to Naomi Lacey as she steps down from the position of Board Chair. Naomi has been an integral part of the CGA leadership team since 2015, initially serving as the NT representative and then as President from 2019, when CGA was an Incorporated Association. More recently she has served as Board Chair following CGA’s transition to a Company and registered charity. During her tenure as Chair, Naomi oversaw [...] - [2025 American Community Gardens Conference](https://communitygarden.org.au/2025-american-community-gardens-conference/): In early June I was fortunate enough to attend the American Community Gardens Conference in New York City. Attended by over 1,000 people this four day event was hosted by New York City’s Green Thumb program with partners Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) and the American Community Gardens Association (ACGA). It was a fabulous conference filled with inspiring keynote speakers, thought provoking panel discussions and numerous educational workshops. The highlight of the conference was keynote speaker, Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass. Robin is a Potawatomi botanist, author, and the director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at [...] - [Set Up For Success](https://communitygarden.org.au/set-up-for-success/): Grow your skills, grow your community. Set Up For Success is a 10-week immersive leadership course delivered live online, making it accessible to garden leaders anywhere in Australia. Designed to equip current and emerging leaders with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to lead thriving, resilient gardens, it covers essential topics including leadership, governance, decision-making, and diversity and inclusivity. Strong leadership has the power to transform a community garden—building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a space where people feel welcomed, empowered, and inspired to contribute. From volunteer management and daily operations to sustainability and succession planning, this course helps you future-proof your [...] - [2024 Survey Results](https://communitygarden.org.au/2024-survey-results/): The 2024 survey gathered 249 responses from community gardens in Australia, nine more than received in 2023. Of these, 216 responses were from unique gardens. The survey results indicate that there is a vibrant and active community gardening community in the country. In total, volunteers spend more than 339,000 hours a year working in their gardens, about 10% more than reported last year. Garden membership numbers vary but the majority have between 21 and 50 members. However, there are some quite large gardens – a quarter of all responding gardens reported more than 50 members, seven of which report having more [...] - [Ready Fund Grow!](https://communitygarden.org.au/ready-fund-grow/): 🌱 Ready Fund Grow – A Smarter, Greener Way for Community Gardens to Fundraise Looking to upgrade your community garden, install a water-saving system, or run more workshops — without selling chocolate or managing stock? Ready Fund Grow is a new, reward-based crowdfunding platform designed specifically for community gardens. Developed with the team at WaterUps, it helps gardens across Australia raise money in a meaningful, low-fuss way that aligns with your values. 🟢 Earn 25% of every WaterUps product sold via your campaign 🟢 Offer your own community-based rewards — from compost workshops to produce boxes 🟢 Or keep it simple with donations [...] - [CoRE Youth Program](https://communitygarden.org.au/core-youth-program/): CGA has partnered with Blue Light Victoria to assist delivery of their new C0RE program for youth in 2025. CoRE (Connected, Resilient, Engaged) increases pro-social behaviour, self-awareness, resilience and connection and fosters meaningful engagement with peers and the broader community. It is a unique opportunity to help young people who are at risk of disengagement, have come to the attention of the police or have been identified as vulnerable by Victorian secondary schools. CoRE offers local vulnerable young people the chance for connection and positive relationships with safe and important community organisations. CGA is looking for community gardens in Victoria who [...] - [Workshops for local government](https://communitygarden.org.au/workshops-for-local-government/): Community Gardens Australia (CGA) is now offering tailored workshops designed specifically for local councils and their community gardeners. These sessions can be created to inspire, educate, and strengthen the skills and connections that make community gardens thrive. Whether it’s building leadership capacity, volunteer engagement and retention, improving garden planning and design, or tackling challenges like composting systems and water-wise gardening, our workshops can be customised to meet the unique needs of your region. If your council is looking to support community gardening in a meaningful and lasting way, partnering with CGA is a great step. We work closely with you to [...] - [Wicking made easy: how sub-irrigation can transform your community garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/wicking-made-easy-how-sub-irrigation-can-transform-your-community-garden/): As climate conditions continue to shift and water becomes more precious, community gardeners across Australia are searching for smarter, more sustainable ways to care for their growing spaces. The challenge is not just about nurturing plants, but doing so with limited time, changing rosters, and unpredictable weather. One solution that is gaining ground in community gardening circles is wicking. It’s simple, water-wise, and surprisingly versatile. And despite what some might assume, it’s not limited to high-tech beds or expensive new systems. Let’s explore what wicking really is, how it works, and why it could make a meaningful difference in your community [...] - [Active Locals in Community Gardens](https://communitygarden.org.au/active-locals-in-community-gardens/): We are excited to let you know that the Active Locals app has just launched and is a great way to find locals to join and support your community garden. Active Locals is a free mobile app designed to help people discover and join local activity groups – making it easier for communities to get active and for community gardens like yours to attract new participants. Active Locals is backed by HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health insurer, and their mission is to make staying active more social, accessible, and engaging. You can check out their website here – www.activelocals.com.au They are [...] - [2025 Community Gardens Australia AGM](https://communitygarden.org.au/2025-agm/): You’re warmly invited to join Community Gardens Australia online for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM)—a chance to connect, reflect, and help shape the future of our growing national network. Whether you’re a long-time garden coordinator, a newly sprouted member, or simply someone passionate about community, sustainability, and urban agriculture, your voice is welcome at the table. The AGM is an opportunity to hear what we’ve achieved over the past year, learn about upcoming initiatives, and celebrate the incredible efforts of our volunteers across the country. We’ll also be electing new Board members and inviting discussion on how we can continue [...] - [Do you have what it takes to lead CGA?](https://communitygarden.org.au/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-lead-cga/): Are you a strategic, community-minded leader ready to help shape the future of food, sustainability, and grassroots action? Community Gardens Australia is looking for a Volunteer Board Chair, with a minimum of five years’ Board experience, to lead our passionate, all-volunteer team. We’re the national peak body for community gardens, connecting people, places, and projects that grow food and community. This is a unique opportunity to: Guide a national network at a time of exciting growth Champion local food, sustainability, and resilient communities Lead a collaborative board and vibrant volunteer network Be the voice of CGA across the sector and with [...] - [Celebrating Community, Connection and Regeneration at the NSW State Gathering](https://communitygarden.org.au/celebrating-community-connection-and-regeneration-at-the-nsw-state-gathering/): On Saturday, 24 May, the lush grounds of Narara Eco Village, Central Coast, NSW came alive with passionate gardeners, sustainability advocates, educators, and changemakers for the Community Gardens Australia NSW State Gathering. It was a day of connections, powerful conversations, and shared visions for the future of community-led gardening across New South Wales. Inspiring Voices and Stories We were honoured to be led through the day by the ever-energetic and inspiring Costa Georgiadis, host of ABC Gardening Australia. With his trademark enthusiasm, Costa set the tone for a gathering rich in knowledge-sharing and community spirit. Our guest speakers, David Harris MP [...] - [Gardening for a Longer, Healthier Life](https://communitygarden.org.au/gardening-for-a-longer-healthier-life/) - [2024 Community Garden Awards Winners](https://communitygarden.org.au/2024-cga-award-winners/): Congratulations to all the winners of our 2024 Community Garden Awards. The winners were announced at the CGA National Gathering on the Gold Coast on Saturday 9th November. - [2024-25 team](https://communitygarden.org.au/2024-25-team/): Meet our CGA volunteers: our Board, State and Regional Coordinators and volunteers… - [AGM 2024](https://communitygarden.org.au/agm-2024/): The AGM is your opportunity to learn more about our amazing national community garden movement and to engage in shaping CGA’s future direction. It is also an opportunity to play a formal role in CGA by standing for a Director position. WHEN: Sunday 27 October 2024 — 4:00 pm AEDTWHERE: The teleconference will be held via Zoom: Agenda * Notes on the election of the Board of Directors for 2024/25 Under the Articles of the Company, a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 9 Directors shall be elected. Our 2023-24 Board How can I nominate someone or myself for the [...] - [Hume Community Gardeners meet Naomi Lacey](https://communitygarden.org.au/hume-community-gardeners-meet-naomi-lacey/): Hume City Council invited CGA President Naomi Lacey to speak with the community about governance and action in community gardens on 13th August. - [Community gardens: a placemaking approach to design](https://communitygarden.org.au/placemaking-approach/): There are different ways to start a community garden. Placemaking offers a way that invites gardeners to participate.  - [Growing food, growing communities: 2024 TAS community Garden Gathering](https://communitygarden.org.au/2024-tas-community-garden-gathering/): View our video slideshow that shows the diversity of activities and people at the gathering. - [Landcare Australia Community Gardens Program 2024](https://communitygarden.org.au/landcare-australia-community-gardens-program-2024/): The Landcare Australia Community Grants program is open to all landcare and community groups across Australia that embrace the landcare ethos, including Landcare, Bushcare, Dunecare, Coastcare… - [Social Media Hacks](https://communitygarden.org.au/social-media-hacks/): The attached PowerPoint presentation was presented at CGA state gatherings in 2024. It has video links on how to use these apps… - [2023 Community Garden Survey Results](https://communitygarden.org.au/2023-community-garden-survey-results/): Our yearly national survey of community gardens helps us to see the developments happening in community gardens across Australia and build a better picture of how they are progressing. - [WA project — identifying plant pest and diseases](https://communitygarden.org.au/wa-project-identifying-plant-pest-and-diseases/): This project aimed to utilise Community Gardens Australia’s networks and venues to assist the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in engaging with gardeners in the metropolitan area. - [Happy National Volunteer Week](https://communitygarden.org.au/happy-national-volunteer-week/): 20-26 May 2024 — during National Volunteer Week, we at Community Gardens Australia want to express our deepest gratitude to all volunteers everywhere... - [WA support for gardens leading the way](https://communitygarden.org.au/wa-support-for-gardens-leading-the-way/): Community Gardens Australia has welcomed the WA government announcement of $308,000 worth of grants to community gardens in WA. - [NT Government Community Benefit Fund](https://communitygarden.org.au/nt-government-community-benefit-fund/): Community Gardens Australia are thrilled to express our sincere gratitude to the NT Governement Community Benefit Fund for their generous grant. This grant has been instrumental in allowing us to create essential marketing and promotional materials, including banners, a marquee, and t-shirts. These materials will be invaluable as we promote our events around the country this year. CGA pull-up banner example - [2023 CGA Award Winners](https://communitygarden.org.au/2023-cga-award-winners/): 1. Community Champion Award How has your community garden connected to other groups and individuals in the local community? How have these connections impacted those involved? If you were to win, how would you use this recognition to grow in the future and further expand community. Winner: Lalor Park Community Garden, Lalor Park, NSW Community engagement has always been a key objective for the Lalor Park Community Garden from the onset. Our committee is always looking at how we can continue to engage our members with organised working bees and events but sharing food is a real drawcard. Not just sharing [...] - [2023-24 team](https://communitygarden.org.au/2023-24-team/): Ambassadors CGA Board CGA State Coordinators Need help? Let us know how we can assist by contacting your State Coordinators: CGA Regional Coordinators You can also contact your Regional Coordinators if you need local help: CGA volunteer support Website: Find out more about our Board members… …who volunteer their time to grow community gardening around Australia Naomi Lacey — Chairperson Naomi is a permaculturalist who is passionate about promoting healthy food systems, sustainable lifestyles, and cultivating community. She helped to establish the first community garden in the satellite city of Palmerston near Darwin and from there became involved with Community Gardens [...] - [Yinnar Community Garden: a practice in sustainability](https://communitygarden.org.au/yinnar-community-garden-a-practice-in-sustainability/): Setting up a community garden is a complex process, view our report… - [A beach, wild harvest and a reptile](https://communitygarden.org.au/a-beach-wild-harvest-and-a-reptile/): It was Jo Dean’s idea to take an early morning walk along the foreshore track where there were wild harvest plants - [Cooking from the book](https://communitygarden.org.au/cooking-from-the-book/): What do you cook when the Tasmanian coordinator of the national network, Community Gardens Australia (CGA), stays over?  - [Tasmania: community gardens in the press](https://communitygarden.org.au/bicheno-community-garden/): If we ever wanted evidence that community gardens are now fixtures in our urban landscapes, this reader-contributed photo in The Sorell Times, a local newspaper covering the region just east of Hobart, is it. - [Community garden roadshow 2023](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-garden-roadshow/): The community gardens roadshow is well underway! - [National Gathering 2023 & SUSTAIN'S Urban Agriculture Forum](https://communitygarden.org.au/cgas-national-gathering-2023/): CGA national gathering 2023 - [Razors Edge 2SER — interview](https://communitygarden.org.au/razors-edge/): Listen to an interview on 31 August 2023, with Sustain's Executive Director Nick Rose and Naomi Lacey, President of Community Gardens Australia (CGA) who discuss the food issues we face. - [New project highlights cultural and culinary diversity of Tasmanian community gardeners](https://communitygarden.org.au/new-project-highlights/): Media release — Bringing together tastes from a range of countries, the launch of the Flavours of Launceston recipe book celebrates the culinary and cultural diversity of Launceston community gardeners. - [Flavours of Our Community Gardens — the website](https://communitygarden.org.au/flavours-of-our-community-gardens/): CGA has launched a book of recipes contributed by Launceston's community gardeners. - [Composting with the master gardener](https://communitygarden.org.au/composting-with-the-master-gardener/): IF YOU ARE a legendary master gardener whose specialisation is compost, what better way to spend a winter's day than running a compost-making forum? - [Vote for Food - Scorecard](https://communitygarden.org.au/vote-for-food-scorecard/): Vote for Food — an analysis and scorecard of major parties’ policies on food systems, farming and sustainability for the upcoming NSW election… - [2022-23 team](https://communitygarden.org.au/2022-23-team/): Ambassadors CGA Committee CGA State Coordinators Need help? Let us know how we can assist by contacting your State Coordinators: CGA Regional Coordinators You can also contact your Regional Coordinators if you need local help: CGA volunteer support Website: Graphic design: Find out more about our Committee members… …who volunteer their time to grow community gardening around Australia President — Naomi Lacey Naomi is a permaculturalist who is passionate about promoting healthy food systems, sustainable lifestyles, and cultivating community. She helped to establish the first community garden in the satellite city of Palmerston near Darwin and from there became involved with Community Gardens [...] - [NSW inquiry into food production and supply](https://communitygarden.org.au/submission-nsw-food-production-and-supply/): Submission into the NSW food production and supply inquiry — February 2022 - [Complete our 2022 Community Garden Survey](https://communitygarden.org.au/complete-our-2022-community-garden-survey/): Please complete our 2022 Annual Community Gardens Survey by 28 February 2023. - [David Stephen: CGA Community Gardener of the Year 2022](https://communitygarden.org.au/david-stephen-community-gardener-2022/): Here is the man who has started six community gardens, who with Peter Cundall and Lester Jones, kicked off Tasmania’s organic gardening movement in the early 1980s and who has taught so many people how to grow tasty, nutritious organic food... - [Growing edible towns, cities, and suburbs](https://communitygarden.org.au/growing-edible-towns-cities-and-suburbs/): MEDIA RELEASE — 7 December 2022... Sustain: The Australia Food Network is hosting our third signature event for this year's Urban Agriculture Month in Canberra... - [Interview with WA coordinator Chris Smyth](https://communitygarden.org.au/interview-with-chris-smyth/): Chris Smyth, WA coordinator of CGA, joins Morag Gamble. They talk about the Murdoch University Campus garden and the Australian community gardening movement. - [Community Gardens Ireland — media coverage](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-gardens-ireland-media-coverage/): Community Gardens Ireland — media coverage... - [2021-22 Community Garden Survey Results](https://communitygarden.org.au/2021-22-community-garden-survey-results/): Our yearly national survey of community gardens helps us to see the developments happening in community gardens across Australia and build a better picture of how they are progressing. - [Inaugural Community Garden Awards Winners 2022](https://communitygarden.org.au/cga-inaugural-award-winners/): Congratulations to the winners of our inaugural Community Garden Awards in 2022. - [2022 President's report](https://communitygarden.org.au/2022-presidents-report/): 2022 CGA President's Report by Naomi Lacey... - [2022 AGM](https://communitygarden.org.au/2022-agm/): Come and join us for our AGM. We look forward to having all our valuable members join us on the 5th November 2022. - [The number one thing beginner gardeners get wrong](https://communitygarden.org.au/mr-stacky/): Can’t keep your plants alive? You’re not alone. Plenty of beginner gardeners give up before they’ve barely started. But don’t go just yet. - [Vaishnavi: invite neighbourhood youth to your community garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/invite-youth-to-community-garden/): Vaishnavi, recently attended the UNICEF Better World Youth Summit… - [David Stephen at Kickstart Arts Community Garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/david-stephen-at-kickstart-arts-community-garden/): Can too much compost be an embarrassment? David Stephens thinks so.  - [Kickstart Arts Community Garden with Nic Stephen](https://communitygarden.org.au/kickstart-arts-community-garden-with-nic-stephen/): After visiting Kickstart Arts Community Garden in Hobart’s New Town, Russ Grayson came away with the impression that it is heading in that direction. He asked the community garden’s Nic Stephen about how they manage the garden. - [CGA National Gathering 2022](https://communitygarden.org.au/cga-national-gathering-2022/): You are invited to join the National Gathering for Community Gardens Australia – taking place on the weekend of November 5-6, 2022. The event will be held at CERES Community Environment Park and selected community gardens in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. The theme for this year’s National Gathering is “Big Community – Local and International Perspectives on Community Gardens”   DAY 1 – Saturday 5th November – Conference at CERES $120 General Admission/$95 Concession On day one, the gathering will hear from international speakers, including Pamela Warhurst who helped establish the Incredible Edible local food project in Yorkshire, UK – a local response [...] - [Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania 2022 — interview with Hannah Moloney](https://communitygarden.org.au/neighbourhood-houses-tasmania-2022-interview-with-hannah-moloney/): Video by Russ Grayson, September 2022 The world is a pretty interesting place right now, says Community Gardens Australia (CGA) ambassador, Hannah Moloney. I was speaking with Hannah during the recent Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania conference at which both of us and Fiona Campbell, who does CGA’s online systems, and community garden ally, Tania Brookes spoke. Serenaded by traffic noise from the highway, I asked Hannah how she made a start in community gardening and spoke with her about the value of collaboration, what people starting a community garden should think about and the place of community gardens, permaculture and related community [...] - [Meet Jo Dean, Tasmanian Coordinator](https://communitygarden.org.au/meet-jo-dean-tasmanian-coordinator/): Jo Dean talks about her role as Tasmanian coordinator for Community Gardens Australia, the national organisation networking community gardens and community-based urban agriculture in Australia. - [Ravenswood Community Garden tour — Tasmania](https://communitygarden.org.au/ravenswood-community-garden-tour-tasmania/): Insight, information and inspiration were what people attending the community and school gardens tour in Launceston came away with. - [Meet CGA's Ambassador — Hannah Moloney](https://communitygarden.org.au/meet-cgas-permaculture-ambassador-hannah-moloney/): Effervescent, positive and Tasmanian, permaculture educator is an ambassador for Community Gardens Australia... - [Keeping varroa mite out of Queensland](https://communitygarden.org.au/keeping-varroa-mite-out-of-queensland/): To ensure Queensland’s valuable honeybee industry and recreational beekeepers remain free from the threat of varroa mite, a new Movement Control Order means there will be no movement of bees or bee hives into Queensland from anywhere in Australia without a permit. Biosecurity Queensland Chief Plant Health Manager Mike Ashton said anybody wanting to bring bees or bee hives into Queensland, including returning bees that originated here, would need to apply for a permit prior to entry. Permits can be obtained here Apply for a biosecurity instrument permit | Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland (daf.qld.gov.au) “Processed honey or processed beeswax, new [...] - [Polycultural intercropping with Oscar Danvers](https://communitygarden.org.au/polycultural-intercropping-with-oscar-danvers/): Oscar Danvers takes us through Fairlea Farm in Victoria. Oscar explains his method of utilising polycultural intercropping to grow insane amounts of food! - [WiseGardening app](https://communitygarden.org.au/wisegardening/): Sustainable Gardening Australia has developed the WiseGardening app to help people protect their gardens from pests, diseases and weeds - without harming themselves or the planet. - [School builds frog, insect, butterfly habitat with students](https://communitygarden.org.au/school-builds-frog-insect-butterfly-habitat-with-students/): Patricia Dwyer at Currumbin Community Special School has been working hard over the past year to progress the school's sustainability initiatives.  View their latest garden project. - [Community gardens change makers](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-gardens-change-makers/): Nourishing Matters interviews Naomi and Gavin from Community Gardens Australia. - [Climate Action Through Gardening](https://communitygarden.org.au/climate-action-through-gardening/): Introducing the UN Assoc. of Australia Young Professionals 2022 National Event Series, My Climate Action with CGA's Jimi Gatland... - [Community Garden Insurance options](https://communitygarden.org.au/community-garden-insurance/): CGA asked community gardens what kind of insurance they needed — here's what we found out... - [Winged Bean](https://communitygarden.org.au/winged-bean/): This climbing vine is a herbaceous perennial that can also be grown as an annual... - [Vanilla](https://communitygarden.org.au/vanilla/): Vanilla is an orchid that climbs like a vine and can reach up to 35m in length... - [Sweet Potato/ Kumera](https://communitygarden.org.au/sweet-potato-kumera/): Sweet potato is a root vegetable with a lush, creeping vine. The vine has dark green, heart-shaped leaves and grows vigorously... - [Ruby Red Grapefruit](https://communitygarden.org.au/ruby-red-grapefruit/): A small to medium evergreen tree that grows 5-6m. Leaves are dark green, oval and glossy and flowers are white and heavily scented... - [Papaya](https://communitygarden.org.au/papaya/): The papaya is a fast-growing, tree-like plant that grows up to 10m... - [Local Government documents and policies](https://communitygarden.org.au/government-documents/): Policies and guidelines to make community gardening an enjoyable experience and for gardens to be able to manage their garden sites effectively. - [Lennox community gardeners tell their story](https://communitygarden.org.au/lennox-community-gardeners-tell-their-story/): Lennox Community Gardens story appeared in the Summer 2021/22 edition of Garden Clubs of Australia magazine... - [The Cape Community Farm - a video](https://communitygarden.org.au/the-cape-community-farm-a-video/): The Cape Community Farm — part of a sustainable housing estate in Victoria... - [Okra](https://communitygarden.org.au/okra/): An annual in cooler regions and perennial in the tropics Okra will grow to 2m in height with few leaves that are 10-20cm long with 5-7 lobes on each leaf. - [Native ginger](https://communitygarden.org.au/native-ginger/): The berries are known to activate the salivary glands so we're used to keep the mouth moist when bushwalking by aboriginal people. The white pulp inside the berry is the edible part that has a tangy, fruit salad-like taste. - [Madrono](https://communitygarden.org.au/madrono/): The edible fruit has the most wonderful taste similar to mangosteen and can be used to make jams and preserves. - [Loofah](https://communitygarden.org.au/loofah/): A vigorous annual fruiting vine with vines growing up to 5m long. They look very similar to a cucumber vine with maple leaf shaped leaves and small bright yellow male and female flowers. - [Long Net Stinkhorn](https://communitygarden.org.au/long-net-stinkhorn/): A very unusual-looking fungus, the veiled stinkhorn grows up to 25cm high with a slimy, conical-shaped cap approx. 50mm x 40mm, which varies in colour from white to brown to rusty orange. - [Lemongrass](https://communitygarden.org.au/lemongrass/): Lemongrass is a small clumping grass grows to a maximum 1m high with thicker white stems producing bright green leaves with a slightly razor like edge. - [Kang Kong](https://communitygarden.org.au/kang-kong/): A semiaquatic tropical perennial that produces edible leaves and tips year-round. - [Hummingbird Tree](https://communitygarden.org.au/hummingbird-tree/): The Hummingbird Tree is a softwood that grows to a height of between 3 and 10m. - [Cassava](https://communitygarden.org.au/cassava/): A perennial plant that grows to 2m it is best grown as an annual for its crop of long and tapered starchy roots. - [Carambola](https://communitygarden.org.au/carambola/): A beautiful tree with edible fruit that is perfect for any food forest in the tropics.  - [Vegetable leafminer](https://communitygarden.org.au/vegetable-leafminer/): The vegetable leafminer is one of Australia’s most unwanted pests. It affects the majority of vegetable crops and can spread rapidly through movement of infested material, by flying, and by wind. - [Serpentine leafminer](https://communitygarden.org.au/serpentine-leafminer/): Serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis) is a leafminer species that has recently arrived in Australia and poses a significant economic threat to Australia’s horticulture industries. - [Giant African snail](https://communitygarden.org.au/giant-african-snail/): The giant African snail is one of Australia’s most unwanted exotic pests. It affects over 500 plants including a variety of fruits and vegetables. ## Pages - [CGA Competitions](https://communitygarden.org.au/events/terms-conditions/): Community Gardens Australia ‘How Does Your Garden Grow?’ Competition Please read the Terms & Conditions and the Rules first, then note the Entry Requirements we require you to send with your emailed entry (in red at the bottom of this page). Terms & Conditions Who is running this competition? This competition is run by COMMUNITY GARDENS AUSTRALIA LIMITED, an Australian public company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. ABN: 88 666 023 034. What is the competition? Each month, a ‘How Does Your Garden Grow?’ competition post will appear on Community Gardens Australia (CGA) Facebook and Instagram pages inviting readers meeting [...] - [Set Up For Success](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/set-up-for-success/) - [Food Security](https://communitygarden.org.au/about/position-statements/food-security/): Community Gardens Australia Position Statement on Food Security Community Gardens Australia (CGA) is the national peak body and networking organisation connecting community gardeners across the country. Our position statements respond to current issues aligned with our vision of connected, nourishing, accessible and resilient community gardens for all Australians. Our statements include broad recommendations for positive change, offering practical options for improving the health and wellbeing of Australians through stronger policy and increased funding support for community gardens. The issue: food security Food is not only central to daily life but is recognised as a fundamental human right. The Food and Agriculture [...] - [Position Statements](https://communitygarden.org.au/about/position-statements/): Community Gardens Australia (CGA) is the national peak body and networking organisation connecting community gardeners across the country. Our position statements respond to current issues aligned with our vision of connected, nourishing, accessible and resilient community gardens for all Australians. Our statements include broad recommendations for positive change, offering practical options for improving the health and wellbeing of Australians through stronger policy and increased funding support for community gardens. - [Community Garden Courses Membership](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/community-course-signup/) - [test reg page](https://communitygarden.org.au/test-reg-page/) - [Universal Search Form](https://communitygarden.org.au/universal-search-form/): [directorist_universal_search_form button_text=”Search” placeholder=”Search listings…”] - [Universal Search Results](https://communitygarden.org.au/universal-search-results/): [directorist_universal_search_result button_text=”Search” placeholder=”Search listings…”] - [Sign In](https://communitygarden.org.au/sign-in/): [directorist_signin_signup] - [Dashboard](https://communitygarden.org.au/dashboard/): [directorist_user_dashboard] - [Single Location](https://communitygarden.org.au/single-location/): [directorist_location] - [Single Category](https://communitygarden.org.au/single-category/): [directorist_location] - [test-page-play-page](https://communitygarden.org.au/test-page-play-page/) - [Newsletter](https://communitygarden.org.au/newsletter-signup/) - [Free Membership](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/free-membership/) - [Corporate and Council](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/corporate-and-council/) - [Community Garden Membership](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/community-garden-membership/) - [Thank You](https://communitygarden.org.au/thank-you-2/): Your subscription has been set up successfully. - [Login](https://communitygarden.org.au/login-2/) - [Account](https://communitygarden.org.au/account-2/) - [Individual Membership](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/individual-membership/) - [Member Sign In](https://communitygarden.org.au/member-sign-in/) - [Login](https://communitygarden.org.au/login/) - [Thank You](https://communitygarden.org.au/thank-you/): Your subscription has been set up successfully. - [Document Library](https://communitygarden.org.au/document-library/) - [Donate](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/donate/) - [Member Discount](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/member-discount/) - [Terms of Service](https://communitygarden.org.au/about/terms-of-service/) - [Who We Are](https://communitygarden.org.au/about/who-we-are/) - [Membership](https://communitygarden.org.au/shop-2/membership/) - [Online Courses](https://communitygarden.org.au/learn/online-courses/) - [Resources](https://communitygarden.org.au/learn/resources/) - [Add Your Garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/directory/add-your-garden/) - [Testimonials](https://communitygarden.org.au/about/testimonials/) - [CGA in the Media](https://communitygarden.org.au/about/cga-in-the-media/) - [Governance](https://communitygarden.org.au/about/governance/) - [What We Do](https://communitygarden.org.au/about/what-we-do/) - [Learn](https://communitygarden.org.au/learn/) - [Events](https://communitygarden.org.au/events/) - [Find a garden](https://communitygarden.org.au/directory/) - [Privacy Policy](https://communitygarden.org.au/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address is: https://communitygarden.org.au. 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There are 59 recipes from community gardeners around the Launceston area of Tasmania. - [Donation](https://communitygarden.org.au/product/donation-to-cga/) - [Flavours of Launceston recipe book](https://communitygarden.org.au/product/flavours-of-launceston/): Flavours of Launceston is a 112-page spiral-bound recipe book that can lay flat on your kitchen bench. There are 59 recipes from community gardeners around the Launceston area of Tasmania. ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/communitygarden.org.au/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)