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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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?
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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