An initiative of the Harvest Community Gardens Network Inc, the gardens are loosely based on the British allotment concept, enabling anyone to experience a garden in a shared and supportive environment.
Harvest Community Gardens Network spokeswoman Robin Rawson said the resort's first urban community garden had opened in Gorge Rd and a second garden had opened at Speargrass Flat Rd.
The plots are available for short and long-term locals to nurture their own gardens.
"A plot at the Harvest Community Garden will enable anyone, whether they have a flat or house, are a long-term or short-term resident, a keen gardener or not, to experience a garden," Ms Rawson said.
"Keen gardeners can pass on their knowledge and novice gardeners can learn.
"The idea is to provide anyone who has an interest in gardening with a garden."
The new garden had an irrigation system and was "fully rabbit-proofed".
The long-term plan was to get a small shed on the site, with a supply of shared tools.
While the gardens were free for anyone to use, the group asked plot-holders to a make small donation towards running costs.
The network was a non-profit organisation, which had received support from the Central Lakes Trust and the Community Trust of Southland.
The garden concept was first discussed in June last year, when a group of 25 keen gardeners met to discuss the possibility of establishing the community garden as a way to save money on produce and cater for those who did not have room for gardens at their flats or apartments.
Ms Rawson said there were now seven families with plots at Gorge Rd and another four families with plots at Speargrass Flat.
However, the group could "easily" take at least 20 or 30 more families at each site.
"We've had lots of great funding from the Community Trust of Southland and the Central Lakes Trust and working with them was very quick and easy. If that had been more difficult, we wouldn't have been able to get going for spring," she said.
Anyone interested in claiming a plot was asked to call Ms Rawson on (03) 441 1200. There were some "rules" for gardeners, which included water supply and the "no spray" ethos at the community gardens.
