Grow a piece of paradise
Gardening is getting a little more room to grow, with New Zealand’s long-running National Gardening Week expanding into National Gardening Month this October. The month-long celebration reflects the growing role gardening plays in New Zealanders’ lives – from growing fresh food and creating havens for birds and bees, to transforming balconies, courtyards and backyards into places to relax and reconnect.
With the theme ‘Grow a piece of paradise’, National Gardening Month encourages everyone to get involved, regardless of the size of their outdoor space or gardening experience. Whether it’s planting herbs on a sunny windowsill, creating a colourful flower bed, growing the family’s vegetables or establishing a native sanctuary, the month celebrates the idea that paradise looks different for everyone.
NZ Plant Producers Inc spokesperson, Debbie Pascoe, says extending the event to a full month recognises that gardening isn’t 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,” says Ms Pascoe.
To celebrate National Gardening Month, focus readers have the chance to win a hamper of gardening goodies to kickstart their little piece of paradise. The prize comprises a collection of premium plants, seeds and gardening products, valued at $300 and generously donated by New Zealand’s gardening industry. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.
National Gardening Month runs throughout October and a calendar of activities can be found HERE.
About National Gardening Month
National Gardening Month celebrates the positive impact gardening has on wellbeing, communities and the environment. New Zealanders are encouraged to get outside, connect with nature and get growing – whether that’s in the backyard, a courtyard, on the balcony or in a community garden. It doesn’t matter the size or what is grown, every garden has the power to bring joy, nourish people and create a place to connect with nature.
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