Rebuilding a Garden | Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House

Communications Officer • Sep 20, 2023

Member Spotlight!

Words & Imagery - Rob Gray Community Manager Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House

On this beautiful sunny winter’s day here in the Waikato our Community Garden looks a picture of health and vitality. Newly created plots are already home to a range of leafy green vegetables that will support the health of our community. Appropriate pruning has seen more sunlight come into the space nurturing the life of fruit trees. Friday morning is a hive of activity as our volunteers come in, receiving the instructions from Michael, our garden coordinator. They love to work hard but at morning tea we’ll hear their laughter and their sheer enjoyment at being together. Friendships have been forged among people who were struggling with loneliness. It’s beautiful and a joy to be part of.

Not long ago there was a different picture when you looked out at the garden. Covid restrictions had stemmed the flow of volunteers and the garden was languishing. An oxalis weed had taken hold and choked the vegetables. There were too many weeds, not enough light, no plan and no people. It was lifeless and we weren’t sure when life was coming back.

It’s good to remember how difficult it was. Covid-19 was frightening and for a long time we wondered if there would be any kind of normal again. We were the languishing garden. Joy and hope were being choked but, just like our garden, our collective response is what sets us free. By choosing to follow the restrictions, get the vaccines, wear our masks and limit our travels we diluted the impact of Covid-19 to the point where it doesn’t dominate our new normal. We did that.

The garden is different to what it was before the pandemic. We’re taking it in a slightly different direction. We want to make it a food forest to help address issues like food insecurity. Education is still part of it, but the learning is more hands on. Different crops have been planted and the way we’ve done our beds is different. Our current volunteer team interact in a different way to the old team. It’s a new normal and it’s good. It’s a new normal that’s been created by a group of people getting out of their comfort zones, reaching out and finding a Community House with open doors. Life is different to 2019. The need for collective action is stronger than ever and that’s a good thing. We’re hard-wired for connection so let’s get connected and make the gardens of our lives thrive.

Ngā mihi nui

Rob Gray – Manager, Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House

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