Waimarie: Hamilton East CommunityHouse (Community Garden)

The philosophy behind the Waimarie Community Gardens is a belief in the therapeutic benefits of contact with nature.

Waimarie Community Garden is situated next to the community house.

Waimarie believes that the social benefits of gathering together to garden, prepare and eat a meal together at the end of the gardening mornings, promotes health and well being amongst people and their communities.

Many people who use the Waimarie Community Garden learn new skills in an informal setting. Over time we have observed gardeners grow in confidence from learning new skills, meeting new people and developing friendships. 80% of the group working in the garden are people with disabilities. Some gardeners create their own garden plots at home and/or move into paid employment.

We use organic Permaculture (Permanent Agriculture) gardening methods using lots of locally sourced recycled materials, organic principles, companion planting, rotational cropping, mulching and worm farming. We make our own compost and have a pizza oven in the garden & education signage.

The group meet every Friday and share a lunch prepared with fresh produce from the gardens.

We need help to buy the seeds, tools, repairs and maintenance of the garden irrigation and also groceries for the Friday lunch.

We would not be able to offer this programme without help.