The Lost Plot Community Gardens Port Macquarie

The Lost Plot is Port Macquarie’s Community Garden. It is a constantly evolving community space open to anyone regardless of age and ability. It is a place where people can come together to grow and learn about growing food, to connect to like-minded people, to share knowledge and skills and most importantly, to have fun. 

At The Lost Plot, food is organically grown under permaculture principles. Diversity is key to healthy plants and soils, and we grow a range of crops in a developing rotation system. There are regular working bees where people are encouraged to participate, learn new skills and/or share their knowledge. We encourage our ‘bees’ to become members for a small annual fee, and in return, members are welcome to share in the harvest of the garden. At each working bee ready-to-pick produce is harvested and divided amongst those present. We request that the relationship between the member and the garden remains one of give, as well as take. Often members bring excess produce or saved-seeds from their own gardens to swap or share, and there is never a shortage of tea, coffee, or delicious treats for morning tea.

The community garden is entirely managed by volunteers through Port Macquarie Community Gardens Inc., a not-for-profit organisation. We are self-funded and have very low annual membership fees. We use these to lease the land, buy plants and seeds, pay for water, public liability insurance, tools, mulch, garden structures, website etc.

The Lost Plot is a place which encourages opportunities for:
• Sharing knowledge and skills;
• Building and strengthening community connections;
• Sustainable gardening with a focus on food;
• Health and education;
• Growth and reflection; and
• Celebration, arts and creativity.

Our core values are diversity, inclusiveness, sharing, respect and participation.