My Account
The hard work, patience and resourcefulness of a small group of volunteer gardeners have transformed Magda Verkaik’s private backyard in Stanmore Bay into a productive patch of edible plants that benefit several local families.
The garden is one of seven that are open to the public at the inaugural Hibiscus Coast Edible Garden Trail, which is on next month.
Work on the garden began at the end of 2021 after Magda contacted gardening expert Dee Pignéguy, who gathered volunteers keen to help (HM January 24, 2022). In return, the gardeners share the produce they grow.
Dee says that progress is initially a matter of clearing weeds and laying down cardboard and wood chips, seaweed and horse manure to build up the soil. That is an organic and natural process that takes time – Dee says it was around two years before the first produce was harvested.
Work is ongoing, with the recent introduction of chickens, an asparagus bed and seeds harvested from things like beans to grow next year’s crops. Kumara is about to be harvested and fruit trees planted. Many of the materials used have been donated, including dag wool from a farmer in Kumeu, which is used as mulch.
Magda says the garden has added more than just fresh vegetables – she enjoys the companionship of the gardeners who visit once a week.
“We have all got used to each other and it’s been interesting to see how much can be done on a section like mine,” she says.
The garden trail, designed to show what can be done by home gardeners on local plots, is on May 4 and 5. See ad below for details.
