Call him old fashioned, but he wants to bring back the real meaning of community, where everyone waves and calls out hello, to his suburb.

Mr Hill, a horticulturist, wants to plant Lorn’s first community garden.

He is one of six enthusiastic residents on a steering committee ready to dig deep in the name of bringing people together.

A public space has to be allocated before they can get their hands dirty.

The group’s first meeting registered 40 interested people and the idea has been flagged with Maitland City Council.

“I grew up in Lorn and it was always known as a garden suburb,” Mr Hill said.

“Everyone had smaller houses and big backyards. Now the opposite is true – big houses and small yards.

“This is a project that can be done in every suburb in Maitland and council has been supportive of the idea.”

Mr Hill has two children aged seven and five and he wants them to know where their food comes from.

“We have a big backyard at home and we have our own vegetable garden and chooks.

“I think I get my ­community spirit from my grandfather Eddie Hill (an avid supporter of the sporting community in Maitland).”

Lorn community garden plan includes individual plots for residents to grow a range of vegetables.

A trade stall for produce and seedlings will be held on a weekly or monthly basis.

The garden will include social space – a meeting place and a place for entertainment and showcasing community culture.

Storage sheds would also be on the site, Mr Hill said.

Residents will pay an annual fee to be part of the venture and fundraising activities will be held.

“This is a positive move for Lorn and Nillo Infants School is keen to be involved as well.

“We are looking for donations to help get it started and we are happy to make use of any plot of land the council offers us.”

Mr Hill hopes the garden will be under way before the end of the year.