Community garden takes root in Mangaphai

Summer isn’t over yet (we hope) but the winter vegetables are already being planted at Mangawhai’s community garden.

The garden has about 30 supporters, but organisers say that donations of time, tools, cash and crops are still needed.

Joan Farrell came up with the idea for the garden when she realised that there were families finding it hard to make ends meet. She believes the situation will worsen as the recession takes hold and sees the garden as a way to provide fresh vegetables, as well as an opportunity to teach people how to grow their own produce.

“A lot of people have never been taught the skills to garden,” she says. “But even as experienced gardeners, we can learn from one another.”

Joan says that excess produce will be distributed through the school and kindergarten.

“The idea is that we want those who benefit from the garden to get involved with production as well. Hopefully, this will encourage them to start gardens of their own.”

Eventually, Joan sees volunteers passing on cooking and budgeting skills.

“Retirees are great teachers in this regard as we’ve lived through tough times and know how to be economical, making a little bit go a long way.”

The garden is situated at the Domain, on Kaipara District Council land, behind the building which will eventually house Plunket and the toy library. Peter Fredricsen, of MPL, donated compost and mulch to get things growing, while Ray Holland, of Jaraho Gardens, prepared the ground and donated plants.

One of the organisers Paul Freeman said that volunteers have spent 92 hours so far preparing and planting the garden. Information: Joan Farrell 431 5924

Joan Farrell came up with the idea for the community garden.