The idea
We are a start-up community group working to rebuild the long-lost connection between people and food in an inclusive, hands-on and eco-friendly way. Our dream is to transform every unused, paved-up front garden in our neighbourhood into a tiny food oasis, full of container-grown vegetables, shrubs, pollinator-friendly flowers and wildlife features which can be enjoyed by anyone, anytime. With nearly 200 m2 of empty space on each of the local streets (which equals to a potential yield of up to 1 tonnes of vegetables per street per year!), we have a chance to make a striking difference to the landscape, the health and the mindset of several hundred members of our community by creating opportunities to become more food-independent, self-sufficient and environmentally aware, while promoting positive, meaningful and long-lasting social interactions.
What we'll deliver
- Several hundred vegetable planters
- Dozens of pollinator-friendly flowers and shrubs
- A wildlife feature for every household
- Gardening equipment for all residents
- Training and support for all participants
Why it's a great idea
The project will:
• help the community get closer together
• provide fresh organic vegetables with minimal carbon footprint
• offer opportunities to develop horticultural and gardening skills
• improve dietary habits through more regular fruit and vegetable intake
• promote sustainability and environmental consciousness
• increase physical activity through garden maintenance activities
• improve the local air quality and the neighbourhood’s microclimate
• beautify the area and reduce water run-off
• reduce waste through recycling of local scrap wood which will be turned into planters
• improve mental health and give opportunities for relaxation
• increase the abundance, richness and resilience of local wildlife
• give people a sense of ownership and a chance to connect with nature
• improve safety through increased presence of residence on our streets
• reduce the number of trips to local supermarkets which might prove especially helpful to those most vulnerable in our community
Steps to get it done
- Purchase containers, compost, flowers, tools and seeds
- Install and paint the containers, fill with compost and plant seeds
- Build and install wildlife features
- Measure impact through photos, surveys, wildlife counts and total vegetable yield
The project will take a one-street-at-a-time approach and expand from King John St. onto neighbouring streets over the coming years.
