A New Era
The Green Street Community Gardens have been part of the local history at Bowden Brompton for the last 20 years.
As one of the first community gardens in South Australia, advice was sought from Snow Edwards & his group, from various other bodies across the State, when they were looking at establishing other community gardens.
When the redevelopment of the Bowden Brompton area was first discussed, there was concern from local residents that the Community Gardens would be swallowed up in the development. However, community members let it be known that they wanted the gardens to remain and with the support of the Charles Sturt Council, thankfully the gardens will continue on.
The Bowden Brompton Community Group Inc., entered into a lease agreement with the Charles Sturt Council in 2008 for the management of the gardens, and the site will now be used mostly for garden beds rather than any infrastructure, although a pergola has been added to provide welcome shade and a place to hold BBQs, education sessions and meetings.
There is carpark for seven cars which can service both the gardens and the Community Centre.
Garden Plots for lease - NOW!!!!!
There are garden plots which are available to lease for an introductory price of $100 annually. This fee will be reviewed annually to ensure the gardens continue to be viable. Limited water is available in this price. Plot fees are due December 1st each year
Those wanting to lease a plot are asked to call either the Community Centre reception on 8340 3013 or the gardens representative Merv Bawden on 8346 0283 before they are all taken.
RULES FOR LEASING A GARDEN PLOT
Limited watering only
Pathways to be kept clear
All tools to be returned to shed
Keep your plot weeded
Attend working bees when possible
Keep the gardens clean for everyone
No dogs allowed—except on leash
Plot can be cancelled if not maintained for one month without contact
The gardens representative is Merv Bawden and he is the first point
of contact for any problems, he can be contacted on 83460283
Thank you
What are Community Gardens?
Community gardening brings benefits to individuals, neighbourhoods, communities and the cities they are part of. Community are invited to join the Bowden Brompton Community Group Inc., which will then entitle them access to hiring a plot in the gardens in which they can grow their own vegetables, herbs, and other produce.
What would you like to see in the Green Street Community Garden?
Since this garden is just re emerging in Bowden Brompton, we would like to encourage community members and other interested people to come along to the Community Centre and put their ideas in the suggestion box located at the front desk.
Ideas for involvement include:
Community art, benches, water features, paving, flags, murals. We would like to encourage those interested to get involved and make it "our community garden".
INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS OF GARDENING
Health
Community gardening is an active pursuit yielding fresh food. Community gardening promotes physical fitness and health.
Learning
Learning to grow plants is mentally stimulating and adds to an individual's knowledge and expertise because organic gardening is a knowledge-based system of gardening rather than one based on quick fixes, it encourages learning in the community gardens in which it is used.
Community gardens can be used by individuals, community groups, TAFE, schools and universities as learning venues
Gardens can also be used for educating people on such things as water wise gardening, waste minimisation and the recycling of wastes through composting and mulching.
Social benefits
Community gardening is also a social activity involving shared decision making, problem solving and negotiation, increasing these skills among gardeners
As places where people come together with a common purpose, community gardens are places where people get to meet others who are like minded and who share a love of gardening.
As social venues, community gardens can be used to build a sense of community and belonging; the community centre next door will also increase the ability for gardeners to socialise.
Urban improvement
Community gardens bring vegetational diversity to public open space and other areas. By diversifying the use of open space and creating the opportunity for passive and active recreation, community gardens improve the urban environment for the local community.
The diversity of plant types found in community gardens provides habitat for urban wildlife, increasing their value for improving the natural environment.
