Growing together at Linde Community Garden

In the heart of Linde Reserve in Stepney lies one of our community’s most treasured green spaces —the Linde Community Garden.

Here, vegetables, friendships, and community spirit grow side by side.

This year, the garden received a welcome boost thanks to a $2,845 Community Grant from the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.

The funding helped complete an important project in replacing the timber edging around the last of the garden’s 65 raised beds.

For 12 years, Linde Community Garden has been part of the local landscape.

Over time, much of the original timber garden bed edging began to deteriorate and break down and were at risk of collapsing.

“Replacement of the edging has been a vital project for our Volunteers as it has ensured the long-term structural soundness of all garden beds and a solid edging for pathways,” says Chris Brideson, Chair of the Linde Community Garden.

Recognising its importance, members replaced the old timber with a sustainable alternative made from recycled plastic and sawdust fines.

This material is durable, eco-friendly, and will last at least 25 years— a long-term investment in the garden’s future.

The project completed the final 15 beds, meaning all 65 raised beds now have strong, sustainable edging.

This upgrade didn’t happen overnight.

Over the years, support from both the Council and Rotary helped gradually replace the edging on most of the garden beds.

The latest grant allowed the final stage to be completed. “It’s been a real team effort,” adds Chris.

“With the additional support from the Council and hard work by our members and Volunteers we’ve been able to improve the garden and secure its future in a much shorter timeframe than anticipated.

The new recycled edging strengthens the garden while supporting organic, sustainable gardening practices, making Linde Community Garden a model for environmentally conscious community projects.

_{Image above: Linde Community Garden Volunteers}

A place for everyone Beyond the plants, what makes Linde Community Garden special is its people.

Run entirely by Volunteers, the garden has 73 members, including singles, couples, families, and people with disabilities.

Ages range from toddlers to a vibrant 94-year-old gardener!

“Many of our members have been drawn to the garden by the opportunity to work alongside others, learn about organic gardening, food production and share ideas and skills.”

Raised beds and paved pathways make it easy for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids to participate fully, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the physical, social, and mental benefits of gardening.

Community spirit blooms alongside the plants.

Every Thursday morning, members gather for morning tea, a chat and a laugh—informal moments that strengthen friendships and build community.

The garden also hosts regular pizza lunches, bringing members together for shared meals that celebrate the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labour.

Young learners from St Peters Child Care Centre & Preschool maintain their own plot, visiting regularly to learn where food comes from and the joy of nurturing plants.

A shared harvest One of the garden’s core philosophies is that while members care for individual beds, everyone shares in the harvest.

This encourages generosity, ensures no produce goes to waste and fosters a sense of belonging.

“It’s not just about what you grow in your own bed, it’s about what we grow together—in the garden and as a community.”

This shared approach makes new members feel part of something bigger, even if they have little gardening experience. It’s a place to learn, contribute and belong.

With new edging across all 65 beds, the garden is now in its strongest position.

The recycled material ensures structural soundness and safe pathways, securing the garden’s future as a welcoming, sustainable community space.

“Being able to give the garden beds a new lease of life has given the whole garden a lift.

Planting, watering and weeding have all become more efficient, and this is reflected in the range of healthy crops now being grown.”

Linde Community Garden thrives as a vibrant, productive, organic haven in the middle of the City—proof of what happens when people come together with a shared purpose.

Hands get dirty, friendships blossom and community spirit flourishes.

If you're interested in getting involved, visit www.npsp.sa.gov.au/ communitygarden