I LOVE the way community food gardens are flourishing around the country. Gardening offers solitary time-out when we need it and at other times, rewarding friendship and a chance to share skills.
For Hawke’s Bay permaculturist Janet Luke, sharing her enthusiasm for sustainable edible gardening has seen two friends join her in an exciting new venture (see page 12). Sue Linn visits Janet at her eco-friendly Havelock North garden, talks with her about kitchen gardening and gets a host of tips.
Gardening fellowship doesn’t just work for growing food – the other day I visited a delightful Port Waikato public garden, the work of willing volunteers who meet weekly to create a show very much enjoyed by holiday makers. If you know of other great community gardens, write to us about them – and send a photo.
That Port Waikato garden is large and the setting superb so there is little need for Mark Rayner’s ‘space expanding’ hints featuring in this issue. For those short on space or wanting a special effect in their garden, he provides a few tricks, applying trompe l’oeil (page 22). The roses in that seaside garden and everywhere are lovely now which makes rosarian Hayden Fould’s climbing roses recommendations and hints (page 16), timely.
It’s such a wonderful time of the year to be a gardener.
