Community Gardens are where communities can utilise an area of land for growing vegetables, fruit or flowers. Community gardening is a satisfying and enriching experience which builds communities and enhances the natural environment.
Starting a Community Garden or Community Nursery
The City of Ryde will support groups establishing a Community Garden by helping with identification of land, horticultural advice and liason services. Experience has shown that the most successful Community Gardens are where the community or group has ownership of the project, making their own decisions on budgets, planning and the nature of the garden.
A Community Garden project requires submission of a Development Application(PDF, 417KB) in which various considerations must be addressed and specific information provided, including site plans and a Statement of Environmental Effects.
Establishing a Community Garden on Council Land
All applicants should begin by reading the Community Gardens Policy which outlines the process for establishing a community garden group, conducting a site assessment of potential sites and discussing their proposal with Council to identify any possible issues before submitting an application.
Guide to Planning a Community Garden
Successful community projects develop through a process of enthusiasm, solid research and planning. If you are thinking of starting a community garden, take your time to think through and research the issues presented in our Guide to Planning a Community Garden.
Assistance Available
Think broadly and creatively. Look at other community gardens (around Sydney as well as further afield, Newcastle etc and even overseas) and ask lots of questions, take lots of notes and photos.