Cultivating Community operates a fee for service social enterprise as a business model to employ more people from underemployed groups, create better places and develop social connections. We currently place this work under our "Hortus" portfolio of activities. It is separate from our other areas of Communal and Community Garden Management, Hear Me See Me Employ Me and Lifelong Learning. Nearly 30 years of experience in these areas combined with modern quality designs and an understanding of the agile eco system we work in informs Hortus.
We apply a lens that fosters community engagement, connection with nature, sustainability and quality to all our work.
We do not work in domestic settings but focus on community assets, open public spaces, corporates, church, educational settings.
Our Services:
Design:
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Site assessments to determine design requirements
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Create design concepts using AutoCAD software
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Develop planting plans including recommended selections and placement
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Create productive Rooftop designs
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Present proposals and concepts to clients and their potential funders
Build:
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Manage the preparation of gardens for construction including clearing of site
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Install growing systems, wicking beds and garden beds
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Plant trees, shrubs, flowers, food items according to design plans
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Lay turf, mulch, soils or other ground cover materials
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Subcontract relevant hard landscaping, garden structure builds
Maintenance:
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Mow and edge lawns
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Prune and trim trees up to 3m, shrubs, flowers
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Coordinate Arborist for larger trees
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Sow, grow and harvest food items
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Water and fertilize plants
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Test soil quality and replenish as required
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Clean and maintain outdoor furniture
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Control weeds and pests
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Manage external fencing and border planting
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Maintain rooftop gardens
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Indoor plant maintenance (not supply of plants)
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Maintain nondomestic balcony gardens.
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Repair or replace garden beds
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Maintain garden-based pathways
Quality and Excellence:
We strive for excellence in all aspects of our work. Whilst being dedicated to continuous improvement we believe having high standards and quality assurance will:
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Enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty
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Improve operational efficiency and effectiveness
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Reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainability
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Protect the health and safety of our employees and stakeholders
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Demonstrate our commitment to quality, environment, and occupational health and safety
Our Accreditations and Certifications:
Accredited Social Enterprise
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1% for the Planet member
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IPRO Standards for quality
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Working towards ISO Standards in Environmental Practice, Occupational Health and Safety, Management Systems (March 2025)
Additional Tasks:
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Provide food-based garden advice and consultation services to clients
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Develop and deliver co design session to consider the form and function and sustainability of your gardening idea
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Develop and deliver garden management plans
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Develop and deliver garden Governance structures
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Conduct garden inspections and assessments
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Advise and guide architects, builders and government departments
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Manage and supervise garden maintenance teams
