Growing together at the Hive Community Garden

The Hive, a flourishing community garden in Melbourne’s Braeside Park, is more than just a green space. Established and operated by SMRC, it embodies the ethos of “grow well, eat well, live well,” by fostering community spirit, promoting physical health, and enhancing psychological wellbeing.

A vibrant social hub

This garden is a lively social hub featuring a diverse array of culturally significant plants. It provides a unique space for cultural groups to meet, connect, learn, and grow together. The Hive’s environment encourages community interaction and cultural exchange, making it a significant asset for visitors and residents of Melbourne.

Challenges and future plans

Despite its successes, The Hive faces challenges due to weather conditions and limited infrastructure, which affect the older program participants during their visits. To address these issues, SMRC is seeking additional funding to expand the garden. Planned improvements include building a shelter to protect participants during inclement weather and creating sensory and indigenous gardens to enrich learning and enjoyment opportunities for clients and park visitors. SMRC also envisions replicating The Hive’s successful model in other areas, extending the benefits of community gardening to more communities.

Hon Jason Wood MP’s visit

Recently, The Hive was host to a visit from the Hon Jason Wood MP, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs.

Shadow Minister Wood praised The Hive, saying, “The Hive Garden has done remarkable work in fostering community spirit through gardening. By teaching the community about the benefits and pleasures of growing their own vegetables and fruit, they’ve not only improved physical health but also created a space that brings people together. As someone who enjoys gardening in my own backyard every year, I commend The Hive Garden for their positive impact on our community.”

Senior Manager of Aged Care and Carers Services at SMRC, Nicola Bull, builds on the sentiment of the garden as a safe haven in the community.

“The Hive is a testament to the power of community and gardening in fostering connections among people from diverse backgrounds. Ten groups regularly visit the site to share culturally diverse traditions and practices related to crop growth, medicinal use of plants, and culinary traditions. It’s a place where everyone feels welcome and safe to express their cultural heritage through the universal language of gardening. We hope an expansion will allow even more groups and park visitors to enjoy the space.”

The Hive continues to grow and thrive, reinforcing the importance of community gardening in enhancing social bonds and promoting a healthier lifestyle for all.

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