Lyttelton community garden has been in operation for the past 20+ years. It is managed by Project Lyttelton, sited in the heart of the town, on land provided by CCC. The garden has been through several transformations over this time, and currently focuses on growing food to share and on composting as much as possible from the local Farmer’s Market.

The garden has multiple aims – use organic gardening methods to grow fruit and vegetables on a year-round basis; be a place of connection for local people; be an educational sharing space – and have fun while doing all this!

Currently those of us working in the community garden are developing a separate area as a Children’s Garden. The intentions for this garden are to provide a space for parents and young children to come and spend time; pre-school children to be able to learn about gardening; after school/holiday programmes focusing on gardening skills. We also hope that it will ‘grow on’ the next generation of volunteers for the garden.

We recently held a 'Summer with Your Neighbours' picnic in the community garden, fabulous setting, great weather and delicious sausage and salad spread! Thanks to Community Board for their support with this! It is usual to find families visiting the garden over fine weekends and impromptu picnics happen regularly when the fruit trees are dropping peaches, pears and apples!

The garden is open to the public all the time, but Wednesdays are our collective working days. We start at 10am and garden together until midday when we share a meal – most of which comes from the garden on the day! We are keen to find new volunteers to join us, no gardening knowledge or skills required – just an interest in gardening or in working outside with a friendly group of locals! If this sounds like you – or anyone you know – please come and join us on any Wednesday in the garden at 54a Oxford Street, behind the Norman Kirk swimming pool.

Any questions please contact Felicite at lytteltoncommunitygarden@lyttelton.net.nz