Features and Facilities
- Garden beds are approximately 4 x 3 metres.
- Several beds are raised to be more comfortable to people with mobility problems.
- Water is provided by hoses connected to both town and tank water.
- We have several sheds to house equipment and a “big” shed” for meetings, socialising over a coffee or tea, and generally relaxing.
- There are solar panels on the big shed roof to supply electricity and we have a wood heater for winter.
- We have communal compost heaps and we often have communal fertiliser and mulch piles.
- There are toilet facilities.
- We also have a greenhouse, two pizza ovens, a gas BBQ, a communal herb garden, a small orchard, a native garden, and chooks.
- We have a children’s play area.
- We often host workshops and demonstrations relevant to gardening.
- We have a hothouse and a raised area for potting of seedlings.
Join the Community Garden
Who Can Have a Garden Bed?
Any member of the community is eligible to take up 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
- 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.
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 | $90 | $80 |
| Small/Half Plot | $70 | $60 |
| Raised Box | $55 | N/A |
A bond 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. 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.
Application to Join
Please complete our Application Form
Need to contact us?
Please Contact Us