© irene waters 2016
I love the idea of a community garden. We have one in Noosa which is fantastic as so many people live in apartments here. We also had one in Gloucester, The Tucker Patch, which initially I found strange as everyone had a large garden of their own, and yet they came together to grow vegetables which were then sold at the Farmer’s Market. Despite have over 5 acres garden of my own, I assisted at the Tucker Patch and learnt the real value of gardening with others.
© irene waters 2016
Coming across the Pop Up Patch in a car park in Melbourne’s Federation Square was unexpected. Apparently, I was told, there was a problem with the structure being used for car parking and so Federation Square and The Little Veggie Patch Company joined forces to create a green space on the unusable section. The view as you approach gives no hint to what lies inside. Here any member of the community can rent a square garden and plant whatever they choose. Naturally there are more vegetables than flowers but there was an abundance of petals to delight also.
© irene waters 2016
There was a little shop selling coffee so you could sit amongst the greenery, breathing in the herbs as they released their aroma as people brushed by their foliage. A shop was also onsite selling seeds from the garden, gardening equipment and books and the gardeners could put their excess produce for sale. Advice was given out for free. I imagine on a weekend the place would be alive with gardeners, tourists, conversation and laughter.
© irene waters 2016
The space also aided in keeping Federation Square a carbon neutral. Another rooftop use that was not open to the public, which also went towards creating a carbon neutral environment was the rooftop bees, part of the urban honey movement. On top of another building are 10 hives which supply Federation Square restaurants and cafés with all their honey needs. The hives yield, I’m told, around 350 kilograms of honey each year.
© irene waters 2016
If in Melbourne, Federation Square is worth a visit (do the free guided tour) and take in more than the architecture and artwork. What a wonderful public space for the city to have.
© irene waters 2016
© irene waters 2016
© irene waters 2016
© irene waters 2016
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© irene waters 2015
© irene waters 2016
© irene waters 2015
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Community gardens are such a great idea. They are popping up everywhere. Lovely pics.
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Thanks Miriam. Yes I agree they are a great idea and I’ve realised that it is more than for those that can’t have their own garden because they live in an apartment but for the sense of community that comes from them. Plus they are just nice spaces to be in. 🙂
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I agree entirely.
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Community gardens are reassuring that people still like green spaces and growing things!
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Absolutely Noelle. Another beauty of them is that there is always someone you can enlist to water for you should you wish to go away on holiday.
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I get so excited when I see urban community gardening! It makes one realize how simple solutions to fresh food and green space can be. Fabulous!
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I agree Charli. It is great to have that green space but to also get your fresh greens is a real plus.
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What a fabulous way to use space and build community.
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The sense of community is so important and I think it is often lacking in big cities and possibly also in the rural areas for different reasons. These gardens can bring people together and feed you at the same time. What could be better?
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Great idea.
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I agree.
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