Official Stuff

Concept plans submitted to Richmond Valley Council

THE HIVE – a Mid Richmond Community Garden

 

AIM

The Hive – a Mid Richmond Community Garden aims to be a local hub for learning.  A place where all community members feel welcome, can share information, develop new skills, create, explore and have Fun!

OBJECTIVE

The MRNC objective in establishing The Hive – a Mid Richmond Community Garden and food Crop Collectors is to provide local advice, education and promote food gardening and sustainable living in our community of the Mid Richmond

VALUES

Community involvement & ownership

Organic, healthy & environmentally friendly

Fair share

Equality & respect

 

MEMBERS

All Community Garden volunteers are encouraged to become members of the MRNC.

For the price of $2 (or whatever you feel is meaningful) you get to;

·         Receive information

·         Have input into decisions about your community

·         Attend the AGM and vote

A community organisation is only as strong as its membership and a strong organisation can lobby government ion decisions that affect us all.

 

GARDEN GUIDELINES

ABOUT US

The Hive Community garden is on the banks of the beautiful Evans River, located at 22 Mangrove Street, Evans Head.  There’s the added benefit of the MRNC Supported playgroup project on the same grounds which provides us an opportunity to share resources and inspire the next generation in all things good in the dirt.

The Hive Community Garden offers residents of the Mid Richmond the opportunity to come together to share ideas and grow their own organic food in a supported community space. The Hive is unique in that all garden beds are shared amongst the volunteers, unlike many community gardens where individuals look after their own plots. The benefits of being a garden volunteer are that you can eat organic produce all year round and it won’t cost you a cent!

Along with the establishment of food Crop Collectors – a community harvest project, were volunteers harvest & or collect excess fruit and vegetables from local Mid Richmond residents, our vision for these projects is to provide an environment where we can celebrate the harvest, whilst contributing to food security in the Mid Richmond.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

Effective systems of communication within the garden group are essential to maintain a spirit of inclusiveness and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Some of the methods that The Hive Community Garden Core Group has developed for communicating amongst the community and the gardeners in the group include;

·         The Hive& food Crop Collectors Blog/website

·         The Hive& food Crop Collectors facebook

·         MRNC website & facebook page

·         Email

·         MRNC newsletters

·         Community noticeboards for listing events, workshops & news

·         Garden meetings

·         Garden gatherings

MEETINGS

Garden meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month @ The Hive Community Garden.

Your participation, contribution, and ideas for the garden will be highly valued and you are encouraged to attend.

At General Meetings, decisions shall be made by a simple majority of the Members present.

 

GARDENING GATHERINGS

The Hive Community Garden Core Group will agree on weekly garden gathering time/s.

All gardens are available to all garden volunteers.

Garden volunteers and visitors are to sign in and out of the garden. This provides a register of users for safety reasons. The sign in/out folder is located at the garden shed.

GARDEN WORKING BEES

It is the responsibility of all the gardeners to maintain and upkeep all garden beds, compost systems, worm farms and garden common areas including the shed. Community garden gatherings and working bees are a great way to get to know other gardeners, share ideas and create a garden space together that we can all be proud of. 

GENERAL CONDUCT in the garden

Gardeners and visitors should respect the garden as a community space. All gardeners must act with respect and consideration towards all members of the garden, other community members/groups using the space and neighbours.

Each gardener/member has the right to quiet enjoyment of the Community Garden. Threats or abuse of any form will not be tolerated.

Smoking and the consumption of alcohol is not permitted in the garden.
Condition 13 of the new license agreement between Richmond valley council and MRNC

 ` The licensee must abide by Council`s Smoke Free Outdoor Areas Policy 2.2.3. `

 

OPENING HOURS

The hours of the garden will be determined by the Community Garden Core Group.
Taking into account condition 6 of the new license agreement between Richmond Valley Council and MRNC

`A public curfew of the site will be in effect from 7.00pm to 5.00am, unless special permission is granted from the Trust. No loitering will be allowed during the curfew hours. `

 GROWING

The Hive Community Garden is focused on providing a place for residents of The Mid Richmond to grow fresh organic produce for themselves. To that end we encourage, teach and support organic methods of managing weeds, insects and diseases, and of increasing soil fertility.

No chemical herbicides, insecticides or fungicides are allowed in the gardens under any circumstances. Natural methods of pest control such as traps, companion planting, good plant and soil health are encouraged. Advice in these methods will be available.

PLANTING

Members can plant what they like as long as they do not become pests in the natural environment. Sowing seeds a few at a time and regularly ensures continuity of crop supply and reduces the waste of seed when conditions are not quite right. Watch the planting guide for the right season, position and soil condition.

A volunteer planting coordinator could be appointed at a later stage

 

WATER

As water is a valuable precious commodity, its use needs to be monitored by all gardeners and not wasted.

Water tanks will eventually be installed in the garden for the use on all garden beds.

A moderate amount of town water will be available for use on the gardens. We encourage water-saving techniques, such as mulching, direct plant-root watering and avoiding mid-day or overhead watering. If you are using water from the hose please ensure taps are completely turned off. The use of watering cans is very strongly encouraged.
Please be aware that water will have to be paid by The Hive Community Garden so it use must be strictly monitored

FERTILISER

Chemical fertilisers are discouraged. Natural fertilisers such as compost, aged composted manure, seaweed, fish emulsion, and cover crops provide a more balanced diet for the soil and a favorable climate for the organisms that make up healthy soil and disease-resistant plants.

PRODUCE

The garden works on the principle that those who do the work share in the produce. If there is an abundance of produce from the garden it is to be shared and distributed as equitably as possible. Do not pick plants that are marked for seed saving. Picking is best done early morning.

 

TOOLS

Tools and equipment are available but are often in short supply. Tools must be kept cleaned, well maintained and stored in designated areas.

 

SAFETY

Safety is everyone’s concern and you are responsible for ensuring that you do not allow yourself to be injured by anyone or anything. Wear closed in shoes or boots, a hat and sun-screen, gloves and eye and hearing protection where appropriate. Be mindful that other people also use the garden so do not create hazards. Avoid leaving tools about, machines unguarded and any object that may lead to a trip or fall unattended.

If you receive a cut, abrasion or bite, seek first aid.

The first aid kit is located in the Scout Hall kitchen, under the sink

 

GRIEVANCES

Dealing with garden related issues is the responsibility of the Community Garden Coordinator. If gardeners have any concerns about the garden or about other gardeners they are strongly encouraged to contact the Garden Coordinator, in person or by email. All matters will be dealt with efficiently and in a fair and reasonable manner. Further details can be found in the MRNC policy procedure manual.

Gardeners can also direct all grievances to the General Manager of the MRNC if they are unable to resolve them with other gardeners and or the Garden Coordinator

Verbally and physically abusive behaviour will not be permitted or tolerated.

Maintain communication with fellow Gardeners. A conversation about an issue often can lead to great ideas, suggestions, and a quick resolution.

 

CHILDREN

Children are welcome at all times but must be accompanied by an adult. Parents/guardians/adults are responsible for direct supervision and teaching children using tools or gardening.

 

PETS

Pets are allowed within the gardens with supervision, however, for health reasons please keep them away from the garden beds. Please clean up after your dogs and keep them on a leash and quiet while in the garden area.

 

SCOUT HALL/TOILETS

Both the Scout Hall and the toilet block are shared spaces with other MRNC projects/programs. Please leave these buildings clean and tidy at all times.

KEYS/LOCKS

The Community Garden Coordinator will be responsible for locking the shed, toilets and Scout Hall. If you are given keys for any of the locks, they will need to be signed for.

All members and gardeners are to make sure that anything taken from the shed or hall is returned clean on the same day it is used.

 

GARDEN SECURITY

Safety and security can be fostered powerfully through building community and connection.

The garden will be kept neat and well maintained to communicate that it is actively used and valued. Harvests will occur regularly so we don’t create the impression that food is going to waste.

Clear, attractive and informative signage will be displayed to help people understand what the garden is about, who it’s run by, how they can get involved and what is permitted.

The way the garden appears to people passing by will have a huge impact on how it perceived. Paying attention to aesthetics, ensuring composting systems are working properly and storing material correctly will be a few of many elements undertaken  that will ensure The Hive - a Mid Richmond Community Garden will be a beautiful, welcoming and purposeful space of the Mid Richmond.

If vandalism or theft occurs, please notify the Community garden Coordinator immediately.

 

CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCE
Gardeners must advise the Community Garden Coordinator of;
- Any change in their address,  telephone number or email
- Should you no longer wish to be involved in the garden

 

ENJOY YOUR GARDEN EXPERIENCE WITH

THE HIVE COMMUNITY GARDEN……………………………………………………