We are proud to announce the recent opening of our new community garden at Hanley’s Farm! This new community space provides residents with a place to connect with nature and each other while cultivating their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The seed for a community garden was planted back in 2020 by a Hanley’s Farm resident, who was eager to see a communal space at Hanley’s Farm where residents could come together and enjoy gardening. A shared garden space also offers those residents who might not have their own plot at home to still enjoy the gardening experience.
When Hanley’s Farm developer, RCL, was approached by the resident with the concept of a community garden, they knew straight away that it was something that they wanted to get behind and provide for the Hanley’s Farm community.
“We loved the idea of a community garden at Hanley’s Farm. The garden offers residents with a way to foster a sense of community, and provides an environmentally friendly outlet. As well as building the actual garden space, we have invested in a community composter that has the purpose of recycling garden waste. With the environment at the forefront, we installed solar panels to power the composter, and we have also installed power to the park. In addition to a collection of raised garden beds, the park boats two green houses, a shed for tools, picnic tables and a potting table. To kick off the planting in the new Community Garden, we planted fruit and nut trees around the perimeter, which will be available for all garden community members to tend to.”
David Wightman, CEO, RCL Group
Capable of processing up to 25 kg of organic waste a day, the community composter is estimated to be capable of composting much more than just the green waste generated by the garden. There are plans for the composting machine to become a community asset, with the opportunity to reduce waste from Hanley’s Farm households and their environmental footprint. We will update residents on how this will work as we are up and running. RCL and its contractors look forward to working with the resident’s association for the community garden to make the most of this exciting technology.
After four years and more than $500,000 of investment, we are delighted to now handover the facilities to a local resident’s association that is being formed to help govern the use of the community garden. The residents who initially floated the idea of a community garden have been eagerly awaiting its completion and are eager to get the wider community involved.
“The garden is about more than just growing vegetables. It’s a place to bring the community together, encouraging people who wouldn’t usually interact to do so. It can be difficult to meet people out of your usual networks, and we know that getting to know your neighbours is such an integral part of any community, so we really want that communal aspect. As we progress, the garden association plans to put on working bee days, organise to get the school involved, and create a real community hub.”
Hanley’s Farm Community Garden Association
This is the latest addition to the community infrastructure delivered by RCL at Hanley’s Farm and it joins three parks (including the ever-popular Hanley Park playground, pump track and outdoor gym, and the soon-to-come Howden Park), the Farmhouse Café and community store, widespread native planting, and the extensive trail network. RCL are proud of the community that has been fostered at Hanley’s Farm and are committed to helping the community flourish.
To celebrate the opening of the Hanley’s Farm Community Garden, we are hosting an Open Day this Saturday 25th May for residents to come along, experience the garden and enquire about membership. In addition to answering questions about garden membership and providing application forms, there will be a coffee cart on site serving fresh coffee for all attendees of the Open Day to enjoy while we participate in some planting in our new garden beds.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice enthusiast, everyone is welcome to participate in this communal project.