Pilot Program FAQ
Boulevard sharing projects have been attempted before but rarely enjoy the durability that their creators envisioned. There are many important details to consider — it's good that you have questions!
General Questions
Regarding logistics, the raised beds, and the program in general...
Unlike regular community gardens, there are no water outlets readily available on the boulevard. In our program, gardeners will share a spigot, and potentially a hose, with the homeowner whose boulevard they're using. We hope this will be an opportunity to enjoy the acquantaince of some of your neighbours.
We make them ourselves out of used pallets! The process involves several steps — from pallet collection and breakdown, to plank processing, to bed assembly — some of which happen in pop-up "shop" spaces and others which are carried out with program participants on "build days". Building beds together makes for a fun activity and using pallet wood results in a unique, rustic look. Learn more.
It depends on the tool and on the particular arrangements between gardeners and homeowners. Small tools like trowels could be carried to the garden site by gardeners. Large tools like spades may be stored by Curbside in a centralized location and made available upon request. Some tools may be stored on homeowner property if both parties are comfortable with that, but this is not a requirement.
Absolutely. You can learn more about this here.
Ahhh, friend... *exhale long, wistful sigh*... a question only those who've lost something would ask. First of all, we grieve with you. Second, our beds have netting built in. You may see photos of circular beds on our site — those are an old design. After our gardens were razed in 2025, we spent several months designing netting fixtures right into the bed itself.
Didn't find what you're looking for? Help others by letting us know — we'll add it.
Sharing Your Boulevard
For homeowners thinking about water sharing, compensation, and risk management...
- First thing's first, we hope that you might be interested in gardening with us. As a partner homeowner, you're entitled to a free raised bed if you want one — not just for the season, but to own. These are otherwise only available (to non-members) starting at $250.
- Free access to our events and activities. These include neighbourhood garden tours, potlucks, and many other things still to be planned. You can learn more on our events page.
- Finally, you'll get to be at the centre of your neighbourhood's transformation! Helping to animate the community you inhabit, while doing your part to help others nourish themselves with the experience (and end product!) of gardening.
Not necessarily. According to our Land Share Agreement (section 5), homeowners are compensated for water in two ways: by getting free access to Curbside events and, if requested, by receiving financial reimbursements at the end of the year.
We estimate that each of our garden beds will consume approximately 100 cubic feet of water per year — one of Victoria's municipal water units (which cost $5.49 each).
No. A schedule for spigot access is established between Homeowners and Gardeners in their Land Share Agreement (section 4). These times can be adjusted later by mutual agreement.
Yes, if you want one! Homeowners in our program are entitled to a free raised bed (not including soil). Let us know you're interested and we'll get you set up.
This is a worst-case scenario, and pretty unlikely (gardeners tend to be friendly), but it is a possibility! If our dispute resolution process fails and it's not working out, you can always walk away. And, of course, you'll be meeting prospective gardeners ahead of time, so there shouldn't be any surprises.
That depends on how it goes! We'd love for you to join us again in 2027, but if it's time to move on, that's cool too. According to our land share agreement, we'll plan to pack up and take the gardens with us by default.
Didn't find what you're looking for? Help others by letting us know — we'll add it.
Gardening on a Boulevard
For gardeners curious about program requirements, convenience, and long-term plans...
We will do our best to find you a boulevard that's as close as possible. If everything goes well, we should be able to find one that's closer than your nearest community garden.
Yes! We will work with you throughout the season to make sure that your first boulevard gardening experience is satisfying and productive.
No. If you do and want to use them, that's great. If not, we can lend you some.
This is a worst-case scenario, and pretty unlikely (unfriendly people probably won't volunteer their boulevard in the first place), but it is a possibility! If our dispute resolution process fails and it's not working out, you can always walk away. And, of course, you'll be meeting prospective boulevard partners ahead of time, so there shouldn't be any surprises.
That depends on how it goes! If the homeowner wants to continue into next year, you could stay as well. If you'd like to stay but the homeowner drops out, we'll try to find you a new one. And of course, if you're ready to move on, we solemnly shake your hand and let you know that you're welcome back anytime 😔.
Didn't find what you're looking for? Help others by letting us know — we'll add it.