The Kensington Community Garden currently has 52 plots that have been cared for by the same community members for many years. Over 188 residents have told us they would like to use the garden.

To open the conversation we wanted to hear how plot holders used the garden and understand the interests of participating in a community garden from those on the waiting list. To increase the impact of community feedback, we linked this conversation with workshops to explore ways to open the garden to more members of the community.

We received 67 responses to our online survey; 30 per cent were plot holders, 70 per cent were on the waiting list

We had 12 plot holders and 5 people from the waiting list attend the workshops.

Over 85 per cent of respondents said the garden had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

60 per cent of respondents visit or would like to visit a couple of times per week.

Your responses and ideas have informed the following decisions:

• Kensington residents will be given priority access over people living in other areas.
• The garden will be redesigned to allow more people to use the garden and plots sizes will be reduced
• Tenure will be introduced, and plot holders will be given an allocation of time to use the garden.
• A community committee of management will be introduced to oversee the management of the garden.

During March and April, we will be inviting plot holders and those on the waiting list to complete a survey about specific features of the future garden model, which will inform draft garden designs and new terms and conditions of the Kensington Community Garden.

In March and April 2023, we wanted to hear from plot holders and those on the waiting list to understand how the community would like the Kensington Community Garden to be designed and managed in the future. Specifically, we wanted feedback about plot sizes, length of tenure and the type of garden model the community would like to see introduced at the garden.

Of the survey respondents, 47 per cent plot holders, 53 per cent were people from the waiting list.

Most respondents were female (61 per cent), with 32 per cent male and 5 per cent preferred not to say.

96 per cent of respondents live/work/own a business/study/visit Kensington

29 per cent of respondents were born overseas.

Sixty-seven per cent of respondents believe that people living in flats and apartments who have a lack of access to personal gardening at home should have priority access to the garden.

Twenty-nine per cent of respondents agreed a 5m x 2m sized plot would suit their gardening needs.

The majority (51 per cent) of the respondents stated they would like to see a blended model, that is, a garden with both individual plots for personal use and communal plots adopted at Kensington Community Garden.

Sixty per cent of respondents prefer a blended garden model with 75 per cent individual plots and 25 per cent communal plots.

The majority (50 per cent) respondents agreed that individual plot holders should have a 7-year tenure.

Based on community feedback, a blended garden model and reduced plot sizes will be adopted at the Kensington Community Garden. Majority of the plots available will be for individual use. Additional communal gardening plots will be created to introduce novice gardeners to the community.

Your responses and ideas have informed the following decisions:

• A blended model will be adopted at the Kensington Community Garden.
• The largest sized individual plot will be 5m x 2m.
• A 7 year tenure will be applied to individual plot holders.

During June, we will be inviting plot holders and those on the waiting list to attend a workshop where you will be able to view concepts designs and provide your preference on your preferred option.

In July 2023, we wanted to hear from plot holders and those on the waiting list to understand what the future plan for the community garden could look like based on two concept plans. This feedback would guide the development of the final plan for the Kensington Community Garden.

Survey respondents: 47 per cent plot holders, 53 per cent were people from the waiting list.

Most respondents were female (61 per cent), with 32 per cent male and 5 per cent preferred not to say.

96 per cent of respondents live/work/own a business/study/visit Kensington.

29 per cent of respondents were born overseas.

The majority of participants showed support for:

• reducing the size of garden plots so more people can participate
• introducing shared gardening
• introducing principles of active gardening to ensure the garden is thriving and well maintained (replacing the concept of tenure and time limits for garden plots).

The feedback received included:

“Having more of the small size plots and the super accessible raised plots would be better suited to what people would need to have a productive growing space away from their own homes, where they may only have a small courtyard, patio or balcony to grow on.”

“It is clearly designed to be a communal gathering place as much as a productive garden. The trees, open space, and meandering paths produce a park like atmosphere where people can gather and socialise.”

“More seating areas to encourage conversation and make it a nicer place to spend time together”

“well designed access for garden users”

“The 360°access beds are great for community members with accessibility needs to participate, and more small plots of a productive size are a great way to get more people into the garden.”

Based on community feedback, the Kensington Community Garden will adopt a blended garden model, featuring predominantly individual plots of various sizes as well as areas designated for shared gardening. The largest sized individual plot will be approximately 5 x 2m, a similar size to the one presented at the workshop.

In early 2024, we will be inviting those who registered their interest in being a part of a volunteer community committee to join us for a workshop. If you have not registered your interest yet and would like to join the committee or would like to help us in forming the committee, please contact recreation@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Council will now explore options for funding for the implementation of the future plan for the garden, pending budget approvals.