Addington Farm – A Community of Gardens and Gardeners
Are you looking to learn about gardening and food resilience, get involved with a community initiative, improve your wellbeing, and connect with the land? The vision of this māra kai (food garden) is not just to grow produce, but rather to grow a community of gardens and gardeners.
Addington Farm is nestled in suburban Christchurch, and fosters community for those who are seeking a positive outlet in life. The garden was founded by a group of friends who sought to create a meaningful environment in their community, and that is exactly what the māra kai has grown to become! Addington Farm organises working bees that distributes free kai to its volunteers; gifts seedlings to the Addington community; and sells weekly produce boxes that fund the continued growth of the māra kai. Volunteers are able to learn cost effective methods of growing their own food, such as growing vegetables from seed. Keen gardeners also volunteer to share deep wells of knowledge with others. In this way the garden is able to grow both literally and communally through valable collective mahi.
The community garden values its soil health; the vibrant garden started as a neglected urban property but countless hours of work have turned it into a thriving food source. However, soil health is not the only thing that thrives at Addington Farm. Volunteering in the māra kai’s weekly working bees enhances the mental and physical health of everyone who gets involved. Connecting with nature, people, and the local community all contribute the emotional wellbeing of volunteers. Through this holistic approach to happy and healthy communities, Addington Farm creates a collective positive environment for the greater good of the community. Eager to get involved? Working bees are run weekly on Mondays 1-3pm. For more information, visit their website.
