Community gardens

About community gardens

A community garden is an open space for residents to meet, connect and garden. 

Individual or shared plots are available for non-profit use and the space is managed by volunteers.

Everyone is welcome to use the space to grow produce, flowers and native plants. Visit a community garden to:

• meet new people
• share knowledge 
• learn new skills
• grow and nurture healthy plants and food. 

Community garden support

Council supports more than 30 community gardens across Brisbane.  

We provide support and resources to help ensure the long-term success of community gardens by:

• supplying information about community gardens
• offering grants for cultivating community gardens
  
• organising gardening events including:
  • workshops for seniors
  • library sustainable living talks
  • compost and worm farm workshops
  • community composting hub events.

Start a community garden

It takes a great deal of time, commitment, energy and a strong network of like-minded people to bring a community garden to life. 

Community gardens must be incorporated or auspiced by another incorporated organisation, as this enables:

• The group to be a legal entity separate from individual members.
• The group to apply for grant funding.
• The creation of a team (management committee) to support the garden's operation.
• The group to obtain public liability insurance.

The most successful garden projects are those that have put time into planning and design.

Before you begin, ask yourself the following questions.

• Do I have time to coordinate and attend garden group meetings on weekends and/or weekdays?
• Do I want to manage a group of like-minded people and help grow a space for the community?
• Is there already an established community group interested in this project?
• Is there enough interest and energy to sustain the project in the long term?
• Is a garden the most effective way to address your community’s needs? For example, food security, social opportunities, health promotion.
• How will the location of your garden impact residents and wildlife?
• What types of plants are needed for your garden?
• What location options are available near the group? 
   

It’s important that you:

• develop a strong and committed garden group that can share the load 
• form partnerships with other organisations in the community 
• research your project thoroughly
• work together as a group on an agreed vision for your project
• conduct some simple strategic planning that will provide a road map towards achieving your shared vision. 
  
  

You should also be prepared to provide key documentation, including:

• basic concept plan of the garden
• garden management plan
• basic development budget
• risk management plan.
   

Not sure where to start? Talk to us about your community garden idea.

Helpful links