November 2009

Have you noticed that community gardens are popping up everywhere? And so they should be!

Community gardens provide a fantastic way to grow healthy, affordable, locally produced food and to build stronger neighbourhood connections in the process. But if you wanted to start a community garden where would you go to find out how they work, what the different options are and who might be able to help you get started?

There are many regional community gardening networks now established and District Health Boards are also helping fund many school and early childhood based garden initiatives. Many local authorities have information on their websites. However in our discussions around the country, there seems to be interest in a New Zealand community gardens guide or resource that captures the essence and stories of the many different models in use and gives people some ideas, connections and tips for getting started.

Inspiring Communities is keen to work with others to explore this idea. If you'd like to join a conversation to scope up what might be useful, who could help and next steps; or if you have some ideas or resources you'd like to share, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us. We're keen to help to co-create something that aspiring community gardeners right across the country can benefit from.

As a starter, here are some links to helpful community garden examples, resources and tools we've come across, from here and abroad:

• EcoMatters Environment Trust's page
  Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Network
• American Community Gardening Association
• Communitybuilders' page
• Municipal Research and Services Centre of Washington's page
• Auckland City Council's page
• Good Magazine's page