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Paradise can take many forms. For some, it might mean planting herbs on a sunny windowsill or creating a colourful flower bed; for others, it might look like growing vegetables for the family or establishing a sanctuary for native wildlife.
Whatever it looks like, Kiwis will have more time to create their own piece of paradise this spring, with the long-running National Gardening Week expanding into National Gardening Month that will be held throughout October.
The month-long celebration, themed ‘grow a piece of paradise’, encourages everyone to take part, regardless of the size of their outdoor space, gardening experience or budget.
NZ Plant Producers Inc spokesperson Debbie Pascoe says extending the event to a full month recognises that gardening is not something that happens over a single weekend.
“We wanted to give New Zealanders more time to be inspired, visit their local garden centre, attend a garden festival or plant something new and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching it grow.
“Creating your own piece of paradise doesn’t have to mean a large garden or a big budget. It can start with just one pot and one plant. Gardening is one of the few activities that benefits our wellbeing, our communities and the environment all at the same time.”
National Gardening Month runs throughout October. A calendar of activities and competition details can be found at nationalgardeningmonth.co.nz.
Ten reasons to grow your own paradise
- Improve your mood and reduce everyday stress by spending time outdoors and connecting with nature.
- Grow fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables for your household.
- Create a welcoming place to relax, read or spend time with friends and whānau.
- Attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects by planting a variety of flowers.
- Support native wildlife with locally appropriate trees, shrubs and ground cover.
- Save money by growing some of the produce you regularly buy.
- Stay active through digging, planting, weeding, watering and harvesting.
- Make the most of any available space, whether it is a backyard, courtyard, balcony or sunny windowsill.
- Share plants, produce, seeds and gardening knowledge with neighbours and your wider community.
- Enjoy the changing seasons and the satisfaction of watching something grow.
