In a world where high-rise apartments and densely packed housing outnumber backyards, many of today’s kids are growing up without daily access to green space. For urban families, that can mean fewer opportunities for kids to dig in the dirt, run barefoot  through grass or witness the slow magic of a seed becoming something  to harvest.

A few weeks ago, we visited our local Thirroul Community Garden, and we left feeling super inspired that this was the answer many families are looking for! 

Not every child has access to a backyard. For many growing up in apartments or high-density suburbs, outdoor time is limited to small balconies or paved playgrounds. Community gardens fill a critical gap, offering space to explore, move, and just be a kid in a natural setting. In these gardens, children have the chance to engage all their senses — feeling warm soil, smelling crushed mint, and listening to bees hum. It’s grounding and sensory-rich, the opposite of the overstimulating world of screens and schedules.

The mental health benefits of time in nature are well documented, and they’re just as important for children as they are for adults. Studies show that outdoor play can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and help kids concentrate better. Gardening is particularly powerful. It’s slow and repetitive, which can have a calming, meditative effect. It encourages mindfulness — watching bugs, listening for birds, noticing how a plant leans toward the light. For children who may struggle with overstimulation or emotional regulation, gardening can be a safe, soothing outlet.

Community gardens aren’t just about what grows in the soil. They’re also a place for important life lessons to take root — patience, responsibility, and care. Watching a seedling grow over weeks or months teaches kids that good things take time. There’s no instant gratification in gardening — just slow progress, gentle tending, and the joy of seeing something thrive because of your care. In a world that often moves too fast, this kind of learning is deeply valuable. And when the carrots are finally pulled, or the cherry tomatoes turn red, there’s pride and a sense of achievement. And often, a willingness to try a new vegetable just because they grew it.

It’s no secret that parenting can be isolating — especially in recent years, with lockdowns, remote work, and the disappearance of the village that once raised the child. Community gardens are one way to start building that village again. They’re spaces where generations mix, where advice is shared over compost heaps, and where kids learn from grandparents who aren’t their own. There’s something deeply grounding about chatting with a neighbour while your kids water the herbs together — it’s a kind of slow, natural connection that’s harder to come by these days.

Not sure where to begin? To find community gardens close to you, you can visit your local council website or communitygarden.org.au, which has not only garden location services but also in-depth how-to guides and resources on starting your own community garden. A few weeks ago, we chatted with Rhiannon and Anne of Thirroul Community Garden, about what it takes to be involved and the benefits of volunteering at a garden like this. Check out the links below, to find out more.