Community gardens
Community gardens are useful resources. Find a community garden near you to support the sustainability of the world and your own life. You can get free food (freshly grown), volunteer or gather in piece of nature.
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We can improve our holistic health by getting actively involved with community gardens. A study found, “Community gardens provide active participants with significant physical and psychological health benefits. These outcomes encompass exercise in the fresh air which maintains and builds good health and can reduce depressive conditions. The availability of fresh produce means that a more nutritious diet is available – both cheaply and conveniently.” Free food in the right location. An excuse to move around outside. I would add potential meaningful social connections with fellow visitors or volunteers. Now we know. You could boost your mood and physical health by visiting a community garden or similar publicly available space.
Sustainably get healthy whole plant foods
Most community gardens allow individuals to take small amounts of the foods they genuinely need. Visitors need to break off chunks of the plants in sustainable ways that allow the rest of the plant to continue growing.
If you need a leaf of kale or a few, grab some from a public garden (where the option is allowed). Look for chilli plants before buying them at the supermarket. These edible plants are affordable local foods.
Kale and other plants in a community garden in Newcastle. Image by Melanie Suzanne Wilson
Relax and have a break in a community garden.
Each community garden should provide ways to relax and take a break. A small garden might include some basic seating. A larger space could have plenty of leg rom to sit down or wander around.
I like to sit in a small garden that’s on a popular street in Newcastle. I can bring my takeaway coffee in a reusable cup. Maybe snacks too. It is a comfortable refreshing place in the right weather.
Sit and relax in a community garden. Image by Melanie Suzanne Wilson.
Nurture your skin health with natural whole plants
Here is an example of a plant that can heal. Aloe vera is grown in various locations around the city. This is a great whole plant that can revive. I would personally choose aloe instead of packaged products. To each their own. Try to only take a small piece so the plant can continue growing. I found a list that says aloe vera has antioxidants and antibacterial properties, supports healing of wounds, could improve skin and reduces blood sugar levels. Some people drink aloe vera or apply the gel to their skin.
Aloe vera in a community garden in Newcastle. Image by Melanie Suzanne Wilson
Find a community garden in your local area
Local government councils generally list the locations of community gardens. However, you can find more community gardens by looking elsewhere online and observing your surroundings. The City of Newcastle lists gardens but it doesn’t mention the little patch of plants on Darby St on the relevant page. The Central Coast Council provides information on how to create an official community garden group, along with a list of existing ones. Lake Macquarie City lists some locations and outlines practical steps for creating a new community garden. Wherever you are in Australia, the local council should provide some information about your nearest available gardens.
Small chilli growing on a plant in a community garden in Newcastle. Image by Melanie Suzanne Wilson.
Create your own shared garden
If you see an unmet need, solve it. There could be spaces and permissions to create a shared edible garden along a street, in public land, within a gated residential neighbourhood or at a not-for-profit venue.
Removable garden boxes. Image: Envato Elements, edited.
You can grow a garden even in an urban space. Image: Envato elements, edited.
Spread the word about community gardens and their benefits
Let people know about local public gardens, what someone can gain and what they can contribute. The health benefits come from eating the food, breathing in the better air, having mindful time in a peaceful space and gathering with like-minded people in these spaces. It is a chance to give back by volunteering however needed. Any voluntary work can bring people together and provide a sense of purpose. All these benefits could potentially contribute to people’s health and happiness. That’s why we should support community gardens and share them with anyone.
Visit and even contribute to a community garden for health, goodness, happiness and community. Image: Envato Elements, edited.
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