So first of all, get a group of people together – a small ad in the local paper, fliers around town and set a date. Then a white board or blackboard to write everyones ideas and start dreaming it up. All community gardens are different because people are different and so is each site. So dont worry what it is going to look like yet, just what people want to get out of it, what they can put in (skills, time etc) . Do lots of research on the internet, go and visit other gardens, check out how they function and build your dream Remember you dont have to reinvent the wheel – I have found thatcommunity gardens love you to copy what they have done. (Gardeners are generally such showoffs).
So in dealing with council, firstly people power and a well thought out plan is important. So is lobbying your local councillors and working out what is important to your council. Is it Food security, it is environmental issues, is it rubbish, is it community building, its it youth and children. come at it from an angle they can relate to.
Anyway if you would like a copy of our initial proposals and business plan please email mullumcommunitygarden (at) gmail.com and I will forward you our ideas.
Good luck
Jeannette Martin
Co-ordinator
Mullumbimby Community Garden