History

• November 1997 – North Fitzroy Community Gardens Group formed.
• January-June 1998 - Characteristics of suitable sites developed, potential sites identified.
• June 1998 – Gardens Group puts submission to City of Yarra Council.
• October 1998 – City of Yarra council passes motion of in-principle support for a North Fitzroy Community Garden.
• February 1999 – Community consultation reveals significant support for a community garden. However a majority of respondents recommend against the former Silos site as a location. Working group formed to investigate alternative sites.
• March-July 1999 – Alternative potential garden sites identified.
• July 1999 – Second submission lodged with City of Yarra.
• August 1999 – City of Yarra council passes second motion of in-principle support for a North Fitzroy Community Garden with a recommendation for site near St Georges Road. North Fitzroy Community Gardens Group incorporates as a non-profit organisation.
• October 1999 – St Georges Rd site found to be contaminated and hence unsuitable.
• Mid 2000  -  Thomas Kidney Reserve identified as preferred site.
• Late 2000 – Plans developed for a community garden on Thomas Kidney Reserve.
• June 2001 – Initial community consultation over plans for Thomas Kidney Reserve.
• Late 2001 – Australian Landscape Management appointed as project consultants for proposed North Fitzroy community garden.
• Late 2001-mid 2002 – Ongoing consultation between City of Yarra, North Fitzroy Community Gardens Group and Australian Landscape Management.
• June 2002 – Proposed design for community garden released.
• September 2002 – Community consultation regarding proposed community garden design.
• Early 2003 – Group takes over design of layout of garden.
• September 2003 – Site levelled. First layer of topsoil added. Fence and shed erected. Water pipe laid.
• October 2003 – Garage sale and raffle to raise funds.
• December 2003 – Site handed over to garden group.
• December 2003 – Working bees to build garden beds, mulch paths, move soil and compost. Green manure crop sown.
• January 2004 – Working bees continue.
• March 2004 – Plots allocated and laid out.
• March 2004 – First plantings.
• April 2004 – First plantings in communal areas.
• July 2004 – First head of broccoli harvested.
• March 2005 - Committee assesses options for a composting toilet for garden.
• April 2005 -   Plans for pergolas submitted to Council.
• October 2005 – First open day.
• January 2006 – Planning permit for pergolas approved by Council.
• July 2006 – Committee starts planning for project to harvest water from electrical sub-station.
• August 2006 – First fruit trees (walnut and 3 plums) planted outside the garden fence.
• September 2006 -  Discussions with Council for composting toilet continue.
• November 2006 – Council agrees to fund and install a composting toilet at the garden.
• November 2006 – Building permit for pergolas approved by Council.
• January 2007 - Stage 3 water restrictions imposed.  Watering restricted to 6-8am and 8-10pn on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 
• February 2007 – Committee agrees to fund construction of pergolas and engages Brunswick Employment Agency to do the work.
• May 2007 – Discussions with Victrack, Connex and Council continue to progress project to harvest water from sub-station roof.
• June 2007 – Application for Australian Govt Community Water Grant for water harvesting project.
• July 2007 – Construction of pergolas completed and Committee approves funding for the tank to harvest water from the shed roof.
• November 2007 – Commonwealth Community Water Grant of $32,000 approved for water harvesting project.
• February 2008 – Victrack licence signed to enable water harvesting project to proceed.
• September 2008 – Water harvesting project completed and composting toilet installed by Council.
• November 2008 – Committee approves funding to install tank to harvest water from toilet roof.
• November 2008 – Committee starts planning of new project to harvest water from the roofs of Holden St public housing buildings.
• March 2009 -  Committee approves funding for timber edging to raise the height of all plots in the garden.
• March 2009 – Committee considers options to solve the problem of poor water pressure at the garden in the summer months.
• April 2009 – Street artist engaged to work with Fitzroy High School students on street art project on toilet walls.
• June 2009 – Committee successful in obtaining a Council Community Grant for toilet art project.
• October 2009 – Department of Housing gives in-principle approval for the proposed harvesting of water from Holden Street public housing buildings.
• February 2010 – Committee approves funding of changes to the irrigation system to improve water pressure at the garden.