Features and Facilities
Garden beds are approximately 4 x 3 metres for a full bed/plot, or divided in half as small bed/plots. Raised beds are wicking boxes, with some non-wicking style boxes remaining as we transition to wicking boxes. Water is provided by a combination of mains and tank water, with retractable hose reels on most taps. We have a number of compost bins to produce communal compost for members to use on their gardens, and arrange several soil deliveries per year to top up garden beds.
BCG has several shed to house equipment, with tools provided for members to use, or they can bring their own if they prefer. There is a greenhouse with (limited) space to raise seedlings and a raised potting area. Our clubhouse has a full kitchen which is used to prepare preserves for sale, morning tea for working bees or the local produce swap, or socialising/relaxing with a coffee or tea. We have a gas BBQ, a communal herb garden, small orchard, a native garden, a children’s play area, and chooks. Toilet facilities are also available.
We often host workshops and demonstrations relevant to gardening. Members are notified of upcoming workshops via the members newsletter.
Join the Community Garden
Who Can Have a Garden Bed?
Any member of the community is eligible to apply for a garden bed. Membership is open to individuals, families and organisations, and beds are allocated at the discretion of the Ballarat Community Garden Committee.
There is normally a short waiting list of applicants wanting to join our community and, if no beds are available at the time of applying, each applicant will be advised when a bed does becomes available. Allocation of beds will be based on:
- date of application
- physical needs of the applicant, or preference for available bed type
- Ballarat Community Garden priorities
Fees
There is an annual fee required for a garden bed, paid per financial year (1 July – 30 June). New members will be charged on a pro rata basis. For example, a person taking up a plot in January will only be charged half the annual fee. Fees below are current for the 2026-27 financial year.
The money collected from fees is used for garden supplies, maintenance, social gatherings for the gardeners, and other costs as determined by the Ballarat Community Garden Committee.
| Bed Type | Full Fee | Concession |
| Full Bed | $98 | $88 |
| Small/Half Bed | $75 | $65 |
| Raised Box/Wicking Box | $60 | $50 |
A deposit is to be paid for each key issued and will be refunded when the key is returned.
Keys
All gardeners will be provided with a key to the garden at the time of bed allocation. This will allow access 24/7. Gardeners sharing a plot with others may be allocated a second key on request.
Forfeiture of Garden Beds
Garden beds are allocated to the person/s named in the Community Garden contract. Beds are not transferable without the permission of Committee. If a gardener no longer wishes or is no longer able to maintain their bed, they must advise and return their key to the Committee, who will then reallocate the bed to a gardener on the waiting list.
Gardener Responsibilities
Attendance at Working Bees
Gardeners are asked to attend the monthly Ballarat Community Garden working bees and are requested to attend at least four per year. Many other jobs exist in the garden if you can’t attend working bees. There is often a list of jobs that need to be done between working bees for those who can’t make it on the day.
General Maintenance of Garden Beds
Gardeners are responsible for the care and maintenance of their individual beds throughout the year, including the winter months. It is the responsibility of gardeners to maintain their own bed and the area around it, keeping it free of weeds, rubbish and any items that may be obstructing the pathways. Mulching of garden beds is strongly encouraged to control weed growth. Composting of green waste is strongly encouraged, following the guidelines provided to ensure our compost is free of weed seeds/rhizomes and can break down effectively. If a gardener is unable to tend to their bed due to illness, travel, work or emergency, for two months or more, they must discuss their situation with Ballarat Community Garden Committee.
Maintenance of Common Garden Beds & Public Areas
All gardeners are expected to take responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of common garden beds and public areas in the Community Gardens. Ballarat Community Garden Committee encourages ‘active gardening’ in the Community Gardens. This includes:
- Removing weeds along the border of garden beds and pathways adjacent to garden beds, and also along the fence lines.
- Raking pathways.
- Picking up and disposing of general rubbish around the garden and clubhouse.
Waste Management
Composting bins and recycling bins are provided on-site and members are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their own garden waste. Weeds or plants with seed heads, along with couch grass or other invasive weeds (such as Oxalis) must be taken home and disposed of in your green waste bin, so as not to spread these around the garden. We do not have green waste bins at the garden as these are only available to residential properties. Gardeners who do not have the ability to take away their green waste can advise the Committee to arrange assistance.
Control of Weeds and Garden Pests
Environmentally friendly gardening practices, pest and weed control are encouraged, and the use of environmentally friendly products is expected.
Garden Tools
Garden tools are provided for use by members of the Ballarat Community Garden. Please look after these tools, returning them to the tool sheds after use. If you notice any tools are damaged or unsafe for use, please notify a member of the committee.
Application to Join
Please complete our Application Form
Need to contact us?
Please Contact Us