Community gardens are a way of bringing people together with a common interest and passion for helping each other. Not only do you help with the creation of a beautiful garden but the social interaction is especially valuable to many people who find it difficult to make friends or due to mobility cannot escape their homes regularly. Many people just enjoy sitting under a shady tree in summer, breathing in the atmosphere as they feel part of a group working towards a goal. They may offer valuable advice as to the best way to grow food or potter around learning from fellow volunteers who are more than happy to share their expertise.

Project urban food forest had the opportunity of visiting Katoomba's community gardens in the Blue Mountain's west of Sydney recently and was warmly welcomed by volunteers Michael, Richard and Fred. We were given a tour of the site with fantastic information given on the formation and aim of the volunteers who work the gardens.

Run  for 15 years on a site donated to the Blue Mountain council by a deceased estate for the intent of transforming into a garden, the members have been diligent in contributing to the community. The permaculture garden has no fences surrounding the block allowing access to everyone who would like to visit, They welcome people who are in need to help themselves to the produce hopefully in return for volunteering some of their time to developing the grounds.

Whilst I was touring the gardens with Michael he talked with me about his first passion of sculpture and the ability of the permaculture community inviting his unique work into the community garden as a way to demonstrate that not only is the Katoomba garden for permaculture studies but also has a wonderful interaction with other skills and crafts which can be introduced for others to understand and enjoy.

The community comes first, if a family within the local area is hungry they are encouraged to use the food  grown to feed their families then learn how the garden can help them grow food or they may take what they have learned and explore permaculture at their homes.

The gardens also house a collection of heritage fruit trees and encourages the planting of rare and endangered plant species.. They have constructed a mud hut on site and regularly have the local primary school come into the garden and learn about where food comes from and methods to grow.

Community gardens all around the world bring different cultures and generations together, improving individual and community confidence and bridging the divide between ethnic, political and socio-economic groups

The scope of what community gardens can achieve also varies widely. They can provide fresh fruit and vegetables, a place for wildlife, improved play areas, an outdoor classroom and safe public spaces that are well-maintained.

Source out community projects within your local area and volunteer to help expand their reach, the friendships you build and nurture will well be worth the small effort necessary to maintain the garden.

Author Brad Hamilton
http://projecturbanfoodforest.com