Featherston Organic Community Garden

Julia Neighbourly Lead from South Wairarapa District

On Monday 17th, a few of us met with at Loco Cafe Alexa Belavskis of Fab Feathy to discuss the notion of a Community Garden. I know some of you wanted to come but couldn't make it. In attendance were Fiona Downey, Sandie Fletcher, a lovely couple called Dale and Mike (didn't have their last names, sorry), fresh from saving the tree outside the Union Church, and me. We were encouraged by Mark Allingham of SWDC to develop a plan for (hopefully) the vacant lot opposite Loco Cafe for an organic fruit and vegetable Featherston Community Garden. Lots of great ideas were generated, the three most important being: 1) Set up a Planning Group with enthusiasm and ideas for the site; 2) take the Plan back to the community for consultation; 3) submit the Plan to the Community Board. Other ideas were to enlist the help of the Featherston Menzshed (hopefully using my husband, Roy Glover as liaison!) to build raised garden beds; and SuperValue for compost. Also, a potting shed, tool shed, teaching days for locals wishing to start their own gardens at home; learning days for local kids, etc., etc. As you can see, there's a lot of work to do, but also a real opportunity to achieve there important goals: - develop an attractive showcase for Featherston Main Street; - develop a garden for people who need help with providing fresh produce for their families; - develop a focal point for Featherston as an organic hub. Could you please indicate if you'd be willing to be involved, and in what capacity? This might include donating an hour of your time to weeding, or volunteering to be an educator for establishing and maintaining gardens, or simply contributing to the compost pile! Grateful for any help.