It's been such a therapeutic space to have access to during lockdown when we don't have any outside area. Gardening with other people is such a great way to learn more. The community is outstanding.

Katya Organising Committee Member at Pentridge Community Garden

I'm pretty much a novice gardener and this garden having lots of shared plots suits me very well. It's great to share space with others and join in the weekly working bees to gain experience. It's a good way to meet a diverse group of friendly people and taking home a share of the harvest is fantastic.

Janice Organising Committee Member at Pentridge Community Garden

The gardens have been great for my two kids; both have grown up with a third space that they feel safe and free (sometimes a little too free). They both have a strong feeling of connection to the area and have great skills in engaging different people in conversation. I’m excited by how much community gardening contributes to a more sustainable environment.

Libby Board President

I love being involved with MCG because everyone is so welcoming, and I'm always learning something new. I particularly love getting my hands dirty and growing unusual plants at the Dunstan Reserve Food Forest.

Jessica Community Gardening Coordinator

As a retired person, it is great to have time to spend working at the Garden (& in my home garden) whenever I feel like it. I enjoy catching up with other members and encouraging them to extend their knowledge of plants and gardening in general. I see the Garden and Food Forest as offering great opportunities for community development and learning about sustainability.

Richard Organising Committee Member at West Brunswick Community Garden

The Pentridge Community Garden is literally on our doorstep so I got involved to make connections with my neighbourhood, help shape this brand new garden and to learn how to garden! I love the camaraderie and little community that exists at PCG. I've met neighbours and made friends over the years. I've also loved the good hard yakka that's involved during the course of a gardening year and actually learning how to grow food!

Jo Member at Pentridge Community Garden

I live in a little apartment, so I am grateful to have an open space for me and the monster (dog) to run. It was a tough year last year, and this year has been weird. The people at PCG are part of my sanity.

Erin Member at Pentridge Community Garden

The idea of a communal garden was attractive for the physical and social activity involved. I liked the Pentridge Garden people as well as the challenge of making a garden on a large barren gravelly paddock. There are so many ways community gardens contribute to quality of life and general wellbeing – I don't understand the reasons why more people don't get involved. They are such great value.

Russell Organising Committee Member at Pentridge Community Garden

The community garden is a precious green space in a crowded estate and I would love more residents to come and join us!

Julie Organising Committee Member at Pentridge Community Garden

I love the passion for sustainable gardening. I’m excited to get my children involved in gardening to understand and experience growing and harvesting your own food.

Chris Board Member

Community gardens can be powerful community hubs as well as places for city-dwellers to grow and share food, keep a connection with the natural environment, and relax in a green, growing oasis in the city. We need more of them!

Andrew Former convenor of Pentridge Community Garden