Benefits of community gardens: from sustainability to social connections

11 July 2023
Community gardens are a great way to build new skills, create connections and grow food in your own neighbourhood.

With so much technology around us, many people feel disconnected from nature and their neighbours. Community gardens are changing that.

These special gardens offer all South Australians a chance to grow their own fresh food and help the environment.

They’re also a great way to meet new people and make friends.

In this article we’re exploring the many advantages of community gardens and how they are making a difference in local neighbourhoods.

You can find community gardens all across South Australia

They’re not only in Adelaide suburbs, but also in smaller towns.

These gardens provide a space where people can get together and grow fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. This helps us live in a more sustainable way and feel proud of our surroundings.

Sustainability is a big focus in community gardens. They promote green practices such as using organic gardening methods, making compost from kitchen scraps and saving water.

By enriching the soil naturally and using smart watering techniques, community gardeners reduce the need for chemicals. These practices also help us adapt to climate change.

Community gardens are about more than just great produce

They are also gathering places where people from different backgrounds can meet and learn from each other.

In these gardens, we can share our gardening knowledge and experiences. We can trade seeds, uncover the secrets of soil or simply enjoy a cup of tea surrounded by beautiful flowers. This sense of belonging and community spirit is important for everyone.

A great example of a successful community garden is the Walyu Yarta Community Garden Group in Adelaide.

This garden has been running for over 13 years in the peaceful South Park Lands. People who share a love for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers come together at Veale Gardens.

Here, experienced gardeners and beginners work side by side, helping and teaching each other. It's not just about plants; it's about being part of a caring community.

Community gardens have a positive impact on our mental health

Gardening has always been known for its therapeutic benefits, like reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

Taking care of plants and seeing them grow brings a sense of accomplishment and happiness. Plus, being in green spaces surrounded by nature also makes us feel better and improves our health.

Our local councils are a strong advocate and supporter of community gardens. As more and more people embrace these green spaces, the benefits spread across our state. This creates a greener and more connected future for all South Australians.

Find a community garden near you

Community gardens are everywhere across the state. They’re just one way that councils support local connection and promote social engagement and wellbeing.

We’ve listed just a few here, check out Community Gardens of Australia to search for something nearby.

The Old School Community Garden, Adelaide Hills
This talented group maintains a beautiful garden filled with produce, flowers and more. Even if you don’t feel like gardening, drop in and have a chat or find a quiet spot to sit!

Duck Flat Community Garden, Mount Barker
This wonderful space provides something for everyone’s gardening pleasures. Volunteers spend time growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and seedlings and share their experience and gardening skills.

Kapunda Community Garden, Kapunda
This lovely garden provides the community with a healthy and fun way to be active in a social setting and learn about gardening.

Openlight Community Garden, Victor Harbor
This garden grows fresh organic produce, which is shared with members and other community initiatives. The group was established to promote collaboration and foster healthy communities through gardening.

Gawler Community House, Gawler
Community volunteers have reinvigorated this old site, growing fruit trees, herbs and vegetables. They also offer regular workshops and art projects.

Port Adelaide Community Garden, Port Adelaide
This garden has a mission to provide locals with a space to plant, grow and relish fresh produce, while building community connections through sharing, learning and socialising. Budding gardeners can join for a nominal fee to participate in planting, watering and building a strong social group in Port Adelaide.

Chapel Street Community Garden, Magill
Residents and community members are invited to join this wonderful community garden space. You can join as an individual plot member, communal plot member or community member (without an assigned plot). The garden is open to visitors on most Tuesday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon.

Subscribe

Sign up for the latest local council stories delivered straight to your inbox.