A community growing together

Rising food and fuel prices coupled with the global economic crisis is making it difficult for the average Kiwi to get their recommended "5-plus a day" dose of fresh fruit and veges.

Of course in the good old days a lot of people grew their own produce in the backyard but in the 21st century there are plenty of horticultural-challenged people who don't have a clue where to start.

But help is at hand in Waitakere, where community gardens are popping up across the city.

While not involved in the day to day running of these gardens the Waitakere City Council has assisted by making land available to establish the gardens in Ranui and Oratia.

Recognising the benefits of growing your own produce has on the wallet, the environment and people's health, the council has also entered in to a partnership with the Eco Matters Trust, which has appointed a community garden facilitator.

Brooke Walker has been in the role for about five weeks and her job is to gather information about the various community and neighbourhood gardens in the city and to coordinate the activities of those wanting to develop their own edible gardens.

"There is a lot of knowledge and skill out there that a lot more people could tap in to and eventually it would be good to see a lot more gardens established," says Brooke.

The EcoMatters Trust has its own community garden at its headquarters e at 1 Olympic Place and there are several other gardens throughout the city.

Oratia Edible Garden - Millbrook Esplanade, Millbrook Rd

This site has 18 plots which are tended to by a mixture of family and community groups.

It's coordinator is Jon Morgan, a man affectionately known as Green Jon, who says the garden is about sharing knowledge and a love of the environment.

"Our objective is for people to grow their own produce but also for them learn the skills and knowledge needed to eventually set up their own garden at home. While it's early days yet I am really pleased with how the garden is developing.

Jon says as well as individual "plots" within the garden, there is a border full of silverbeet which anyone can help themselves to.

Ranui Community Garden - Marinich Reserve, Marinich Drive, Ranui

Run by the community-based Ranui Action Project, this garden is run along similar lines others and already has a waiting list for those wanting plots.

"We have a mix of school, community and whänau groups taking plots," says Community Garden coordinator Emma Cohen.

"A part from the obvious financial benefits of growing their own produce we have a real education focus at the garden through running workshops on a variety of topics including growing organically and how to make your own compost."

Gardeners also receive a regular newsletter with upcoming events, planting guides and recipes.

Both Jon and Emma say the current economic climate make it a perfect time for people to think about establishing a garden.

"We saw a definite peak in interest when the fuel prices started shooting up," says Jon.

ENDS

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