about us

Jane Street Community Garden is a volunteer-based garden tucked into the heart of West End. We sit adjacent Davies Park at 103 Jane Street, West End 4101. Although the garden is only small (at approximately 500m2), we aim to make it as functional and diverse as possible. Within the space we have 12 raised garden beds which are rented by individuals or organisations, a large greenhouse where we grow seeds and propagate plants, we have an undercover area aimed at creating a meeting point for the community, as well as being home to the West End Composting Hub, where people are welcome to drop off their compostable material. The rest of the open gardens are filled with a unique collection of plants all aiming to exhibit some form of additional ‘function’. These range from bird and insect-attracting species, unique natives, medicinal uses, dyeing abilities etc.

Micah Projects auspices and is involved in coordinating the running of the garden. Micah Projects is a community organisation with an unswerving commitment to social justice and believes that every child and adult has the right to a home, an income, health care, education, safety, dignity and connection with their community of choice. 

We sell seedlings, plants and compost that are grown and produced from the garden. We have a plant stand at The Green Grocer at 144 Boundary Street, West End, which is refilled regularly. Otherwise, you are welcome to send a message via our socials to enquire about what we have growing or how to get your hands on our amazing compost.

OUR STORY

Jane Street Community Garden was established well over 10 years ago, originally as a guerrilla garden, where locals connected and grew produce on this vacant lot of land. But since then, a lot has changed…

In 2021, the garden was on the cusp of being shut down, after construction work in the adjacent parklands found evidence of contaminated soil. Thanks to tireless work from Melissa Smrecnik (the previous garden coordinator), garden members, the local community, local MP’s and businesses, Brisbane City Council approved the continuation of the garden.

The finding of contaminated soil, however, meant a much more ‘restricted’ version of the garden needed to be created. Open garden beds are now seen solely as educational - hosting a wide variety of unique plants, all aiming to exhibit some form of additional ‘function’. These range from bird and insect-attracting species, unique natives, medicinal uses, dyeing abilities etc.

2022 saw some large changes and renovations. These included the install of 12 new raised garden beds as well as an amazing new greenhouse from Sundowner Shade Houses. The raised beds are isolated from the soil below, allowing the growth and consumption edible produce. These beds are rented out to individuals and organisations looking to grow their own produce and connect with their local community. The new greenhouse allows us to grow seeds and propagate plants; which are then sold at either market stalls or at our plant stand at The Green Grocer on Boundary Street.

This year has seen some big wins and the continuation of the garden’s renovations. The big news was that the garden was approved a land permit for an additional 3 years (until June 2026). Which is an amazing turnaround from nearly being closed down in 2021. This gives certification and clarity that Jane Street is here to stay. The upgrade of the new West End Composting Hub was also approved. This is currently under construction and will see it’s capacity increased by up to 300%. The finished facility aims to stop 7 tonnes of compostable material from ending up in landfill every year.

Our aims for the future

Jane Street Community Garden is an ever-evolving space, adapting and growing to best serve the community. The ultimate aim is to grow into a self-sustaining and secure entity that can connect and educate people on edible gardening, sustainable practices and the environment. Despite the numerous restrictions faced in our location - soil issues, high-rises blocking our sun, vandalism and lack of funding, we feel that we are steadily progressing in the right direction.

To create a working model of a cooperative, community based urban organic garden that aims to:

  • Enrich people's lives by providing them with a practical way to develop a stronger connection to the food we eat and the environment we live in.

  • Accommodate increasing community interest in organic gardening and sustainability practices by offering varied, practical opportunities to volunteer and learn about organic gardening.

  • Educate the general public, school children and community groups in organic, sustainable, permaculture and water-wise practices, as well as general gardening topics such as composting, plant health and seed saving.

  • Increase recreation activities which contribute towards the improved health and well-being of the community and increase opportunities for training and team building.

 

Overview of how the garden works

The Jane Street Community Garden operates as a diverse, organic, permaculture garden beside Davies Park on the corner of Jane Street and Montague Road in West End.  The gardens are divided into communal growing areas, demonstration sites and individually rented plots (check out the Garden Plan for more details).  There are many different ways to get involved at the gardens including becoming a Casual Worker, Garden Member, Supporting Garden Member, Plot Holder, Sponsor or Partner depending on your time availability and interests.