About Us

Joan’s Patch is a unique space in the beautiful Mitcham Hills environment where people in the community can meet, connect and build relationships through our common love of gardening and our desire to see the specific benefits of a community garden realised. We want to see this space as a meeting place where people enjoy a sense of belonging; as a healthy place where people interact socially, enjoy physical exercise and produce nutritious food; as a learning place where members learn about community gardening from each other and from visitors; and a growing place where fresh organic food is grown and harvested locally.

Joan’s Patch is situated on land belonging to the owners of the Joan’s Pantry café in Hawthorndene. The garden was begun in July 2013 after the owners of the café approached a group of gardeners in the Mitcham Hills area who were eager to see a community garden established in the area. The garden, whilst maintaining an open and collaborative partnership with the Joan’s Pantry owners, operates independently as a community garden. The garden is open to anyone who wishes to participate. The maintenance and development of the garden is mainly carried out by members who live in the Mitcham Hills area, although some members live further away.

Our Aims

To promote, encourage and assist the growing and harvesting of fresh organic fruit, vegetables and flowers in a community environment
To provide a convivial place for people to mix with a group, diverse in age, background and ability, to form friendships and social bonds which contribute to a sense of community
To provide a place for social interaction, play, physical exercise, ecological sensitivity and a sense of personal wellbeing
To educate the members of the association and visitors in sustainable living practices
To support schools by teaching students how to grow plants and about sustainability practices

The Committee

Pop into the garden during one of our Garden Gatherings and you'll almost definietly see one of our committee members that keep the garden operating smoothly!