The Killarney-Riviera Community Garden group have been greening spaces and growing food for people in need. Now, they hope to establish a seed library to help beginner gardeners.
Killarney, South Africa (29 April 2025) – There is a community garden located in Killarney Park that grows vegetables to help passers-by and people in the community who need a helping hand. Growing vegetables, the people that meet up on the last Sunday of every month to tend the public spaces and plant more.
With the winter gardens now planted, the group have set their sights on a bigger dream: setting up a seed bank at the local library.
A community member reached out to share the good news about the efforts being made in Killarney, sharing that the garden was inspired by the efforts of the WALKRS (We Love Killarney-Riviera) group, which led the way in reforming the community. They started by adopting an abandoned piece of land along the highway and cleaning it up, turning a dangerous dumping ground into a beautiful green space, forming a community walking/patrol group that regularly arranges social walks around the neighbourhood and hiring day workers to clean up areas of Killarney, fill potholes with rubble and generally uplift the suburb.
Speaking to members of the group, we learned they have some big goals they are now hoping to fund or get donations for. Namely sponsored garden beds and filling up a seed bank. Working in conjunction with the New Killarney Riviera Association, they now have an official arm to manage any financial donations, helping take this project to a whole new level.
We asked how someone can get involved in the gardens and what kind of support they can expect to get with their own food garden journeys.
“You don’t need any prior experience, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! The community garden is a welcoming space for all, especially beginners. Volunteers meet on the last Sunday of each month, and experienced team members are always happy to guide newcomers. Gloves and hand tools are handy to bring along, but not essential. We provide seeds, seedlings, and plenty of encouragement. Whether you’re interested in planting, weeding, composting, or just observing and asking questions, there’s space for you to grow at your own pace.”
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A typical volunteer day in the garden is more than just hard work; its community joins in for the greater good of the area and to help people in need. It has become a great event on the social calendar, too!
“Garden Hour feels like a neighbourhood picnic with a purpose. We start around mid-morning with a quick catch-up and then assign tasks: watering, harvesting, weeding, planting, or even capturing content for the Instagram page.
It’s relaxed and social, with people chatting, swapping tips, and sometimes bringing along snacks or coffee to share. Children are welcome and often find their own ways to get involved. The sessions usually last an hour or two, but you’re free to stay for as long as you like. It’s a wonderful way to end the weekend with fresh air, new skills, and good company.”
The New Seed Library
Wanting to empower people to take these skills back to their own gardens, the group have come up with the idea of establishing a seed bank at the local library, which can be used to help beginners access seeds to grow their own food.
“The seed library will be all about sharing knowledge and resources. Located inside the local public library at Killarney Mall, it will offer free access to seeds—saved from the community garden or donated by local gardeners. Residents can “check out” seeds, grow them at home, and then, ideally, return some seed from their harvest to keep the cycle going. It’s a simple but powerful way to encourage food sovereignty, revive traditional gardening knowledge, and reconnect people to the origins of their meals. Even one pot of herbs on a balcony starts a ripple.”
Those wanting to donate seeds to the seed bank can share seeds that are clearly labelled, clean and dry. Sharing information, such as plant names, is essential, but adding harvesting and growing tips goes a long way to helping beginners get started. There is a donation box at the library, so any seeds sent in will be sorted and added to the library as soon as possible.
“To benefit, simply browse the collection, choose what you’d like to grow, and take them home—no library card or payment needed. We’ll also have simple how-to guides available for first-time growers. Our goal is to make gardening feel accessible and fun for everyone.”
Adopting a Garden Bed
Another initiative that has recently been implemented is the “Adopt a Garden Bed” project. The hope is to raise funds for the materials needed to build the beds as well as fill them.
“We are fundraising to build up to 20 new 1.5m x 3m beds onto the existing garden bed, thus expanding the garden’s capacity and variety. We are inviting individuals, families or groups to sponsor a garden bed. We have secured a sponsor for the compost, so each R500 raised goes toward materials and labour. Supporters will be acknowledged on signage at the garden (unless they prefer to stay anonymous) and can even help plant and decorate their sponsored bed!
City of Johannesburg and our ward councillor, are aware and supportive of our community garden and it, along with various sidewalk gardens, remain a public and inclusive initiative within Killarney Park and throughout the suburb.”
In closing, we spoke about how these projects are contributing to a stronger, more connected Killarney community. It’s the same sentiment that is being felt throughout communities in South Africa.
“Each part of this broader project strengthens the same core belief: by reclaiming and using our neglected streets, green spaces and the public facilities we are so fortunate to have available to us in Killarney, we will build a vibrant, engaged community.”
The group feel incredibly hopeful about the future of the space, the unity within the community and the empowerment that comes from helping people learn to feed themselves and their families through food gardens.
“These initiatives create both physical and social spaces for the community to come together, offering opportunities to connect and care for our neighbourhood in tangible ways. They transform underused and neglected areas into places where trust can grow, and neighbours can become familiar faces. They also foster intergenerational and intercultural learning, creating room for shared stories, skills, and knowledge. These initiatives create hope and empower others to take on responsibilities to uplift Killarney further.” – Yasirah, FotL
“All three projects rely on community involvement while creating opportunities for leadership, mentorship and collaborative problem solving.” – Ismail, WALKRS
Together, these efforts weave a more connected, resilient, and hopeful Killarney—where people feel invested in their environment and one another.
You can follow their efforts via Instagram and reach out there to get involved. If you would like to sponsor a bed, you can use the details below. The funds are being managed by the New Killarney Riviera Association, you can pop them an email here.
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