GOODY PATCH
COMMUNITY GARDEN
FORUM
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
MARCH 2011
P a g e | 1
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 1
Contents
Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 2
1. Recommendations...................................................................................................................... 3
2. Background to the goody patch community garden inc. ......................................................... 5
3. Meeting Proceedings ................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Planning for the future.......................................................................................................... 16
Appendices ................................................................................................................................... 19
1. Agenda............................................................................................................................. 20
3. Attendees ........................................................................................................................ 21
P a g e | 2
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 2
OVERVIEW
This report documents the outcomes of a Community Forum facilitated by Helen Smith, helen smith
consulting on behalf of the Goody Patch Community Garden Inc. (GPCG), March 8, 2011.
The forum was held at the Goodwood Primary School and attended by representatives from the
GPCG, Goodwood Primary School, City of Unley, the Adelaide Showground Farmer’s Market, Fern
Ave Community Garden, Bendigo Bank and the local community. Also in attendance were the
Member for Unley David Pisoni and Geoff McCaw representing the Member for Ashford. Apologies
were received from the Mayor City of Unley, Cr Denise Tipper, Cr Don Palmer and Cr Michael
Hewitson.
Refreshments were provided by Liz Zhuo from Energique, a local trader, and the Goodwood
Primary School.
(See Appendix for full list of attendees)
The objectives of the Forum were:
To discuss the expansion of the Goody Patch Community Garden utilising DECS land
(western tennis court x 2);
To determine the level of community and school interest;
To discuss the establishment of a Steering Committee to manage the expansion of the
garden and develop an Action Plan;
To identify partners who could provide resources to ensure sustainability of the garden,
and
To determine a timeframe and budget implications to implement the expansion.
P a g e | 3
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 3
1. RECOMMENDATIONS
Key Issues and Recommendations
Key issues to be addressed in expanding the garden include:
Consultation with DECS to determine long term plans for the tennis courts and achieve
agreement for the use of this land for the garden expansion over an agreed time frame;
Seeking support from the City of Unley to assist with the garden expansion, in particular,
earth works and removal of bitumen as well as other on-going support;
Securing financial support to assist with the garden expansion, in particular the
establishment of the toilets, shade, seating, security, water connection and other fixtures
through partnerships and sponsorship;
Developing a marketing and communications plan to assist the GPCG in attracting
sponsors as well as in-kind support for the long term sustainability of the garden, and
Developing a management plan to ensure community and school use is maximized and
that the garden achieves its potential.
The following strategies are recommended:
1. The formation of a Goody Patch Community Garden Friends Group comprising of
representatives from the GPCG including Goody Patch Garden Committee (2) and
community garden representatives (2), Goodwood Primary School (leadership
representatives) and the City of Unley and others as determined
Terms of reference for the Friends Group will be developed by the Group
addressing in particular membership, tenure, vision and other aspects;
The objective of the Group is to develop a process to engage the school and the
community in the expansion of the garden by meeting with them regularly, and
The formation of a Steering Committee (by December 2011) to manage the
garden expansion and develop an Action Plan detailing a staged approach to
the garden expansion
2. Working with key partners such as the City of Unley and the Bendigo Bank to implement
the Action Plan including:
P a g e | 4
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 4
Development of a site plan highlighting the areas to be expanded including
garden beds, toilets, shade and seating, BBQ area, sheds and other fixtures as
well as costings for the overall expansion in a staged approach, and
Development and implementation of a marketing and communications plan
P a g e | 5
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 5
2. BACKGROUND TO THE GOODY PATCH COMMUNITY GARDEN INC.
Background to the Goody Patch Community Garden
The Goody Patch Community Garden was established in 2005 by a group of committed local
residents with the support of the City of Unley. The garden occupies a small piece of land adjacent
to two courts and the footpath on land owned by DECS (State Government) and managed by the
nearby Goodwood Primary School. (refer to map below). The Garden is fenced and has low
security.
The GPCG is an incorporated body and has a management committee with representation from
the community and the Bendigo Bank who have also provided much needed financial assistance.
The Goodwood Primary School has also become involved in the garden due to the efforts of some
garden members who have children at the School. Interest in the garden has also been shown by
the teachers and the school community. It is acknowledged that the level of school involvement
in the garden and the overall benefits to the school and its community are yet to be realized. An
expanded garden with a management plan and improved facilities as well as more participants
will support the schools on-going involvement.
“Last year, with another woman, I did a presentation to the school council about the
benefits of food gardens to the students”, said Penny Bridge, (GPCG member). Interest
there has been shown, but not enough yet to build the garden into the learning life of the
school. That may come, but there are procedural considerations to be dealt with first, such
as moving children the distance of five houses or so from school ground to Goody Patch,
and the lack of a toilet near to the garden.
Goody Patch is an allotment garden – there are no shared garden beds. Of the allotments five
were made available to those who had contributed to Goody Patch with funds, time and energy,
one of whom is Jeremy Urquhart, a well-known Adelaide permaculture community activist closely
associated with the Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network; the remaining three
allotments are for community use.1
1 www.communitygarden.org.au
P a g e | 6
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 6
The Goody Patch Community Garden is a unique model operating within the City of Unley. It is a
community garden located on DECS land, operating as a joint project between the community
and the school. Other Community Gardens located within the City of Unley, such as the Fern Ave
Community Garden is a community managed garden operating on Council owned land; where-
as the Black Forest Garden is a school managed garden operating on school land. These gardens
are also supported by a number of key partners providing sponsorship, donations and other
support.
The GPCG is primarily supported by the City of Unley and Bendigo Bank. The Adelaide
Showground Farmers Market, operating on Sunday mornings at the near-by Adelaide Show
Grounds are potential partners able to provide advice, marketing and other support. (The level of
involvement and support that can be offered by the Farmers Market, such as the Kids Club and
cooking classes will be realised as the garden is expanded over time).
Take a walk down Surrey Street in suburban Goodwood, a low-rise inner residential zone in
the spacious city of Adelaide. Surrey is an ordinary, tree-lined suburban street but it’s when
you come to the corner that you notice something different. Tucked into a narrow strip
between footpath and tennis court is a tiny community garden brim-full of vegetables and
herbs.2
Location of the Goody Patch Community Garden fronting Surrey Street, Goodwood
b
2 Ibid
P a g e | 7
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 7
The rationale behind hosting a Community Forum
At a recent GPCG committee meeting it was agreed that the “the objective of the garden has
not fully realised its purpose due to the small amount of garden space and lack of a toilet facility.
“3
One of the key objectives of the GPCG was to develop a greater knowledge for children to
understand how food is produced by participating in the garden through growing and planting.
At the same time a number of community plots were created within the garden. An expanded
Goody Patch with toilet facilities would enable a greater role for the school and community to
develop the Garden.
A secondary goal is to expand children’s knowledge of the food production cycle by establishing
a curriculum program, with students visiting participating Adelaide Showground Farmers Market
farmers’ holdings throughout the growing season.
The overall plan is to expand the current garden by redeveloping the site currently occupied by
the western tennis court. Other suggested structures include a potting shed and toilet. Key issues
to address in any major redevelopment include security, water, and the overall management of
the site! 4
It was decided that a planning forum would be held with representatives from key agencies
including the school, the City of Unley and Bendigo Bank as well as the local community, especially
people who have an interest in becoming involved in the garden. The main objective of the
forum is to determine the level of community and school interest in expanding the garden and
develop a process for involving these groups in the expansion of the garden through the formation
of a Steering Committee or a ‘Friends Group’.
3 GPCG Committee meeting 25 Nov. 2010
4 Ibid
P a g e | 8
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 8
3. MEETING PROCEEDINGS
Following a welcome address from Tony Roach, GPCG, Helen Smith, facilitator outlined the
meeting objectives and format and invited participants to describe ‘What does a community
garden means to them.’
What does a Community Garden mean to you?
The following comments were made:
= represents more than one response
Education;
Sustainability
Biodiversity;
Community and school links;
An opportunity for children to become involved in gardens and learn about growing
vegetables and fruit;
I have a research interest in permaculture;
We can learn from other gardens such as the Fern Ave garden;
I get a thrill from growing rare fruit;
Permaculture;
The Farmer’s Market can play a role especially with the ‘Kid’s Club’ and cooking classes;
The garden can provide children with ‘seeds for the future’;
I like the opportunity to link with other gardens in the area such as Black Forest Primary
School;
Bendigo Bank has been very supportive and they want to continue supporting children’s
involvement in gardens for the future;
P a g e | 9
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 9
Gardens provide opportunities for outdoor learning and education;
The Garden provides food security for the future and is a goal of the City of Unley;
The potential of the GPCG has not yet been realized;
It has huge potential as a learning environment linking in with school curriculum although
the school involvement is a challenge for all;
Gardens are for children’s involvement as much as the older people in our community;
A garden is a satisfying way to teach the next generation about food security, and
A garden provides opportunity for interaction with the community and to build community
although it can be a long project and at times frustrating.
The challenges for expanding the GPCG include:
Lack of toilet;
Involving the school, in particular fitting in with curriculum, class timetables and staff
resourcing;
Sustaining involvement of the school;
The garden at its present size is not large enough for a school class to work on at the same
time;
There is no shade and few facilities;
Teachers can’t leave the classroom to participate in the garden without additional staffing
and resources, and
Communication between the GPCG and the school is crucial in maintaining and building
relationships and ensuring goals are met and formal processes should be developed.
P a g e | 10
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 10
Background information
The following information was presented as background material in relation to the wide ranging
benefits of community gardens to the participants.
Community Gardens
Community gardens are places where people come together to grow fresh food, to learn,
relax and make new friends.
Community gardeners know that sharing land to grow food and other plants builds a sense
of place and community.
The benefits of Community Gardens are:
easy access to fresh, nutritious food
a sense of achievement that comes through growing some of
your own food needs
making friends with people in the neighbourhood
learning the skills of gardening, shared decision making and
cooperation, all of which are necessary to successful community gardens
participating in a constructive and productive recreational activity, and
improving the local environment.
(source: w w w . c o m m u n i t y g a r d e n . o r g . a u)
P a g e | 11
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 11
Goody Patch Community Garden Presentation
Penny Bridge gave a brief presentation about the history of the garden highlighting its
achievements and challenges for the future.
In summary the garden:
has been operating since 2005;
has a group of committed community members whose work and interest must be
acknowledged;
is a joint project with the Goodwood Primary School, although this relationship has
changed over the years due to resources and school commitment;
is supported by key players such as the City of Unley, Bendigo Bank, the Farmers’ Market,
local traders, politicians and the wider community;
also benefits from having established strong links with other gardens;
challenges for the future are:
o to expand the garden utilising the western tennis court, to provide opportunity for
greater school and community involvement
o establishing toilets, shade, a tool shed and a ‘recreation’ area at the garden
o promotion, sustainability, funding, attracting new partners, sustaining current
partners, securing grants and on-going support
P a g e | 12
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 12
Black Forest School Garden Presentation
Key points discussed in establishing and sustaining the garden include:
the garden was established some thirty years ago;
parents raised the idea of the garden however it is very much a school garden;
over the years the garden has become an integral component of the school curriculum;
the garden has evolved to include recycle water use, compost, environmental education,
water testing, art and sculpture, tree planting, olive oil production home garden
education and even a restaurant, and
the garden has a range of partners and supporters including the school community, the
City of Unley and others.
P a g e | 13
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 13
Fern Ave Community Garden Presentation
Fern Ave. Community Garden member Ceclie Storrie gave a brief presentation about the
evolution of their garden addressing community management and committee structure as well as
points to avoid and lessons learnt.
Lessons learnt Committee Management
Be flexible
Keep rules simple and
easy to follow
Keep your cool
Avoid being bossy
Be a diplomat
Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
6-8 committee members
o social functions
organiser
o librarian
o newsletter editor
o plot allocation
o recycling
o housekeeper
o irrigation
o tour
guides/speakers
o working bee roster
o Open Day
coordinator
o Organic gardening
course organiser
P a g e | 14
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 14
FERN AVE COMMUNITY GARDEN, CITY OF UNLEY
The City of Unley leases the Fern Avenue Community Garden to a community group to
grow fruit and vegetables and meet in a straw bale building to learn about organic
gardening.
All residents are welcome to apply for one of the available plots for cultivation, although
the plots are very popular and a waiting list may apply. Gardeners are asked to refrain
from using chemical pesticides or fertilizers on their plot to fit in with the garden's organic
ethos.
The Garden hosts a straw bale building that was build by volunteers where organic
gardening courses are held regularly throughout the year. The courses include a broad
range of topics such as pest control, plant propagation, soil preparation, composting and
companion planting.
The Garden also hosts a composting toilet that operates along similar principles to home
compost bins and requires no water for flushing.
The garden is open to visitors on Thursdays between 9am and 11am. Working bees are
arranged on the second Saturday or Sunday of the month. The garden closes if the
temperature is over 35 degrees.5
5 www.unley.sa.gov.au
P a g e | 15
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 15
The following assumptions were considered in discussing the GPCG expansion.
ASSUMPTIONS
Responsibility /Partner
1. DECS granting right of access to the existing tennis court DECS
2. Expanding the garden utilising existing tennis court DECS
3. Primary School is committed with curriculum & resources GPS
4. Community level of interest led by Goody Patch Community Garden GPCG
5. City of Unley support City of Unley
6. Bendigo Bank financial contribution $ BB
7. Adelaide Showground Farmers Market support / fund raising / promotion / support
FM
8. The garden will have water supply / rain water tank Com / other
9. The garden will be joint community / school participation
10. The garden will be protected from vandalism
11. Toilets will be available
12. The tennis court will be utilised for garden purposes
13. The garden will be community / school managed
P a g e | 16
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 16
3.1 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Participants at the Forum were asked to discuss how they would like the GPCG site to be
developed for use by the community and the school. In considering their response they were
reminded of several assumptions that would affect any development or growth of the site.
(Listed above).
Working in groups the participants used maps of the site on which to draw ideas and express their
opinions.
The responses were as follows:
Participants were asked to discuss how they would like the GPCG site to develop for use by the
community and the school. In considering their response they were reminded of several
assumptions that would affect any development or growth of the site. (Listed below)
Working in groups the participants used maps of the site on which to draw ideas and options.
The responses were as follows:
Group 1
Key comments included:
Create a play space with a mound surrounded by native garden and fruit trees along the
Essex St. South boundary
A covered area for picnics and school use and an area for the gardeners in which to relax
A chicken coop
rain water tanks
fruit trees facing Essex St. South
vines and grapes growing on the northern boundary
create a school use area near the northern boundary
P a g e | 17
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 17
Group 2
Key comments included:
the compost not to be located near neighbouring houses
rainwater tanks connected to the shed and shelter area
Do we retain the surface of one tennis court to be used for raised garden beds?
include a native garden
plantings near the boundary on each side to enhance the view
depending on current use of the eastern tennis court this could be incorporated into the
garden over the long tern
we need a set of drawings mapping out the ideas along with costings
Group 3
Key comments included:
the garden has to be joint school and community project allowing separate use but
also integration
the design needs to be flexible to allow a mixture of uses and space areas for
maximum functionality
create a herb patch and a sensory garden
create a thematic look for the garden created by the school and the community
the different spaces and uses in the garden will help to create a better understanding
of gardening and sustainability to reduce the carbon footprint
it will be a great community facility, alive, vibrant and active as well as aesthetically
pleasing which engages all ages particularly children in learning
the issue of how to manage the school and community relationship to ensure
maximum outcomes for everyone
consider the garden design based on permaculture principles
if we remove the western tennis court consider the impact of the trees located near
the perimeter
use the fence as part of the barrier to grow plants and create a canvas
the eastern tennis court to be redeveloped to become a multi-function sports space
eg. tennis court, basketball hoop, netball, volley ball and handball
P a g e | 18
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 18
a toilet is essential
a gardening shed for equipment which could also function as a committee meeting
room and school meeting area
a potting and propagation area
shade and a hot house
pathways created for people to experience the ‘fun’ aspects of moving and working
in a garden area; for bikes and wheelchair access
seating for school children, gardeners and group classes
shelter for shade and rain water for harvesting
BBQ for cooking food grown in the garden and for community and school interaction
Amphitheatre built from straw bales and built by the school children; this would also
improve aesthetics, be available for performances and create a classroom space
issues to be addressed include controlling stray dogs particularly as there are many
dog walkers in the area
financial sustainability
consider the impact of the garden on neighbouring residents
include garden art – created by the garden participants for the garden participant
P a g e | 19
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 19
APPENDICES
1. Agenda
2. Attendees
P a g e | 20
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 20
1. AGENDA
AGENDA
Venue: Goody Patch & Goodwood Primary School Activity Room
Date: Tuesday 8 March, 2011 at 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm
COMMUNITY FORUM
The meeting will commence following a site visit at the Goody Patch Community Garden
7.00 pm Welcome & Introductions Forum facilitator (Helen Smith)
Outline of meeting objective and Agenda
2. Presentations
Goody Patch Committee
Our achievements / involving the community and the school Penny Bridge
Creating a Garden
The Black Forest Primary School Garden experience Graeme Hunt
Fern Ave Community Garden
Community Management Ceclie Storrie
2. Planning for our Goody Patch Community Garden Forum facilitator
Workshop Session
Working with the constraints
Creating a VISION - What do we want our garden to look like in 10 years?
Who are the partners? /How do we make the Garden sustainable?
8.15 pm BREAK
3. Planning for our Goody Patch Community Garden
Prioritising our project list
Budget / timeframe / implementation
4. Summary and where to from here
9.00 pm Meeting close
P a g e | 21
Goody Patch Forum March 2011 21
3. ATTENDEES
Name Org
Rebecca Anderson Goodwood Primary
Eric Nicholson
Yvonne Waller Goody Patch
Birute Golding Goodwood Primary
Christopher Harris Unley Council
Zannie Flanagan ASFM
Jayne Ayliffe Goodwood Primary
Mark Goldsworthy Bendigo Bank
Chris Stokes Goodwood Primary
Jeremy Urquhart Goody Patch
Cindy Koehler Goody Patch
Graeme Hunt Goodwood Primary
Cecile Sterne Fern Ave Garden
Sue Grist Goodwood Primary
Geoff McCaw Member for Ashford Rep
Mark White Goodwood Primary
Rhonda Sharp Uni SA
Cr Bob Schnell Unley Council Goodwood Ward
Councillor
Mr David Pisoni Member for Unley
Penny Bridge Goody Patch
Tony Roach Goodwood Primary
Liz Zhuo Energique
Silvana Barbon Goodwood Primary
Sue Walker Goodwood Primary