Why Community Gardens May Be The Key To Resilience Building

Digging into Community: My Unexpected Journey with Community Gardens

The memory still brings a smile to my face. Sweat on my brow, hands caked in delicious soil, I stood amidst a sea of verdant beds, the crisp scent of basil and rosemary (among other things) hanging heavy in the air. It wasn't a picture-perfect scene, but it was a start – a snapshot of my first afternoon volunteering at a community garden: Perth City Farm. Back then (about 2017), I was just a city slicker, who had grown her own food for over ten years but was yearning for a connection to something bigger than myself, something grounded and real. Little did I know, that single afternoon would blossom into a life-changing experience, teaching me the true meaning of community, abundance, and resilience.

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In a world increasingly driven by consumerism and isolation, the concept of community gardens felt like a beacon of hope.

There were people, from all walks of life, coming together to grow their own food, share knowledge, and build a sense of shared purpose. It was a tangible expression of self-sufficiency, a microcosm of a more sustainable future.

My first steps into the garden were tentative. I knew nothing really. Armed with nothing but enthusiasm and a pair of borrowed gardening gloves, I felt like a rookie on a foreign planet. But the warm smiles and friendly greetings from the Perth City Farm crew quickly put me at ease. They were a diverse bunch – young families, retirees, immigrants, and everyone in between – united by a common love for the earth and a desire to learn and grow (both literally and figuratively).

And grow they did! Under the patient guidance of seasoned gardeners, PCF has transformed the way people consider urban farming. In the years since then, I have learned the secrets of soil preparation, composting, and plant selection. I discovered the joy of watching tiny seeds sprout into vibrant vegetables, the satisfaction of harvesting food I helped nurture, and the thrill of sharing a homegrown bounty with my neighbours. Every time I connected with community and gardening, it became a curated masterclass in sustainable living, a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city, nature could thrive with a little care and collaboration.

The real magic of community and gardens however, isn’t just about the produce. It is about the connections forged. In community gardens, “I” becomes “We”. We celebrated successes together, commiserated over failed experiments, and shared recipes passed down through generations. We organised potlucks featuring dishes made with our garden's harvest, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavours and cultures. We laughed, we learned, we argued (sometimes) – but most importantly, we built a community, a support system rooted in shared values and a common purpose.

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There is plenty of research now on community gardens and the impact they have on our physical and mental health. One study implied that “community gardening has positive benefits on gardeners’ mental health through a contribution to the different aspects of well-being, such as increased levels of positive affect and improved life satisfaction”.

Looking back, my journey I find that it has been more than just volunteering in gardens all over WA (and the world). It's been a crash course in community building, resilience, and the simple joy of growing your own food. It's shown me the power of local initiatives, the importance of sharing knowledge and resources, and the beauty of connecting with nature and each other in a meaningful way.

In the midst of uncertain times, the importance of community gardening has grown significantly. Building strong partnerships with community organisations such as the CWA, Community Resource Centres, and Arts groups allows us to broaden our collective impact. When communities collaborate in a unified manner, the positive effects ripple throughout all areas of a community.

In a world facing ongoing and varied crisis, we need to be more accepting, more supporting and inclusive than ever. As I always say, building self-sufficiency and resilience starts with small steps, with connecting with our communities, and with rediscovering the power of local initiatives. So, if you're looking for a way to make a difference, to learn new skills, and to connect with something bigger than yourself, I urge you to consider volunteering at your local community garden.

Community Gardens Australia has a great feature on their website where you can search for one close to you. You might just surprise yourself with what you discover. What are you waiting for? Grab your gloves, find your local garden, and get ready to dig into a world of possibilities. The future of sustainable living starts with seeds planted in the fertile ground of community, and who knows, you might just find yourself blossoming alongside them. Start small, start with what you have and start today!

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