Organic Gardens Organic Gardens| Organic Gardens | |
| The Community Organic Garden at ATET
has now closed and we are opening a new garden in High Street, Motueka, near
the round-about, and behind T.O.A.D. Hall. Please call and see us soon. |
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Small easy to weed beds, meandering paths
and a Mandala garden are some of the features of the Motueka Community
Organic Garden, creating mystery and interesting designs.  The garden was developed in 1997 to provide a facility for the community to grow its own food, learn about organic gardening, connect with nature and work with others outdoors. The original garden was situated behind the Abel Tasman Educational Trust buildings in Riwaka and was extended two years later to include land leased from the neighbouring Montessori pre-school. Designed with children in mind, a living willow tunnel and the winding paths provide lots of fun and the woodland area a place to explore. Companion planting creates a colourful and restful, healing environment for all ages to enjoy. One of the wonderful things about any garden is the constant change from seasons, soil and plants. Here at the community garden, individual personalities and input from the workers contribute to these changes and create a diverse environment.  The garden couldn't operate without the invaluable work from volunteers who give up their time to come and help, in exchange for vegetables or plants. They can also learn about organic gardening and study for NZQA units in Organic Horticulture if they are interested. Anyone wanting to come and enjoy some gardening will be warmly welcomed. Although the work is constant, there is no digging and the beds are quite easy to weed. All plants are grown from seed on site and much of the seed is collected from these plants each year. Pre-school, school and adult groups are welcome to come to the garden by arrangement to learn about organic gardening or to simply visit. Visitors are welcome to walk around, enjoy the peace and tranquility and take in the healing benefits of seeing and being with plants growing in harmony with nature.  Seasonal vegetables, plants, herbs, both fresh and dried, and seeds are on sale from a barrow situated in the garden. We are open to the public from 9.30 to 4pm Monday to Friday all year round. |
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