The Newstead Community Garden and Produce Exchange was one idea which sprouted from the Newstead 2021 Summit, held in May 2008.
In September 2009, we turned the first sod for our garden.
The Newstead Community Garden aims:
- To connect our community through gardening, sustainability and educational activities
- To generate a culture of sharing, accessibility and sociability
- To promote water use efficiency
- To encourage seasonal, healthy eating and local food security
The garden will have individual or group plots and communal gardening spaces. It is based on organic/biodynamic and permaculture principles. We also aim to incorporate artwork by local artisans, to make the space beautiful, as well as productive.
Our produce exchanges are held on a monthly basis, in Newstead’s main street, outside the Red Store. Local gardeners share their excesses from the garden and catch up on local happenings.
February 2009 - the site for a garden!
the garden in spring 2010, its first growing season
Thanks to Gary Bunn for the introduction to this jewel in Newstead’s crown. I had some very dear friends who used to live in Newstead a few years ago, and I have spent many very happy times in the area. I am so pleased about your Community Garden. I am with the Ballarat Community Garden and feel we should establish a few links between us! I would love to see how the ‘garden is growing’ and hope to make a visit very soon!
Look forward to meeting you, and thanks, Gary!
best wishes
Sheilagh
Very nice to hear from you Sheilagh, and thank you for your kind words – we think Newstead’s a bit special too! It would be great to connect with you & the Ballarat garden. I’m sure we could learn much from your experience.
Kind regards
Mary