20. PRETTY UGLY

7 Graham St, Eltham

Small backyard

Jacqui and John welcome in the natural resource of weeds and their ability to indicate soil health into their backyard. With a sloping section and water run off, their urban property has upcycled and reused structures and adopts composting and weed liquification to nutrify their backyard. They grow vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, berry bushes and wild flowers.

Seedlings for sale. Toilet available.

Open hours:

  • 1 Nov - 2 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)

  • 7 Nov - 9 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Fri-Sun)


21. Little Insect Farm

161 Sangster Rd, Rawhitiroa

Large backyard

Aaron and Melissa have created as many closed-loop systems as possible on their 3.4-acre property. Upcycling is crucial with a focus on encouraging wildlife. Come and see an established food forest and veggie garden on steep terrain, greywater and composting toilet system, root cellar, passively heated rammed tyre glasshouse, electric vehicles, and insect farming. This is an inspiring property to visit on the way to Rotokare Scenic Reserve.

Seedlings for sale. Toilets available. Kid friendly.

Open hours:

  • 2 Nov - 3 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)

  • 9 Nov - 10 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)

Workshops or talks:

  • Bountiful Hillside Food Forest 1 & 8 Nov 11am (Sat) Koha (register here)

  • Small-scale Mealworm Farming 2 & 9 Nov 11am (Sat) $20 (book here)

Whānau friendly activities

  • Kids colouring competition & insect scavenger hunt. Open days. Free

  • Keep your eyes peeled for painted rocks, then hide in a new spot for the next garden explorer!


G9. ST MARYS COMMUNITY GARDEN

101 Collins St, Hāwera

Community garden

Enjoy wandering around this established community garden, a māra with great community connections. Check out their pātaka kai, composting set-up, upcycled features, glasshouse, water collection, and more. Everyone welcome anytime, and they'd love to see you at a community gardening session on the 1st Friday and 2nd Sunday of each month, 1-3pm.

Bike parking.

Open hours:

  • 6 Nov between 2pm - 5pm (Thu)

  • 7 & 9 Nov between 1pm - 3pm (Fri & Sun)

Workshops or talks:

  • Seed Snails for Easy Seedlings 6 Nov 3.30pm (Thu) Koha (register here)