| Lyttelton gardeners dig deep for creative display |
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Lyttelton gardeners dig deep for creative display MEDIA RELEASE MARCH 10 What began as a dream has turned into a reality. Dig This, Lyttelton Community Garden’s entry in the Ellerslie Flower Show, has attracted huge support and lots of interest. Hours of collective dreaming have been turned into a stunning garden, representing Lyttelton’s food, features, diversity and community values. “Its part educational, its part theatrical,” says landscape architect Liz Briggs.
The team from Project Lyttelton and Soil & Health Canterbury had a strong vision which attracted thousands of volunteer hours support from the community. Helpers turned up to work on every detailed facet of the display, which includes contributions from many talented local artisans and the efforts of dedicated plant-sitters. The garden seeks to represent living in harmony with nature and the seasons and Illustrates the cycle of healthy soil, healthy plants and healthy people. The gardeners in Lyttelton enjoy the planting /harvesting/feasting of good organic food and the use of heritage seeds honours the history of Lyttelton as Canterbury’s first port. The garden also promotes recycling and composting through unique artistic features. It uses recycled materials in its construction and features, is affordable and sustainable. “It’s been one of those projects where things just fell into place every step of the way,” said Joint Project Manager Wendy Everingham. One of the most amazing things about the project was the people that turned up, she said. A chance meeting at a local hotel found the metal worker Aaron Wills. “What a find he has been. His furniture creations are simply stunning.” A local email list found engineer Bruce Corbett. “A chance email to Project Lyttelton’s, Rod Lawrence, our joint Project Manager sourced Rebecca Costello all the way from the UK,” Wendy Everingham said. “With expertise already from Chelsea Flower Show she has been the resident woofer for the project and has been an invaluable help to our very talented horticulturalist Bettina Evans”. Partnering with the Canterbury Branch of Soil & Health had seen stronger ties develop between their organisations. “Donn Hampton from Leeston has been marvellous. His in depth knowledge of plants and construction has been invaluable, Wendy Everingham said. “Working with Dr Matt Morris has also been great. “What started out as a library share project with Soil & Health books developed into this wonderful hands-on partnership.” “We hope our community garden exhibit inspires other communities to create their own gardens. This is a fun way to meet people and create collectively whilst encouraging local food production and healthy lifestyles.” “Portal to Canterbury’s historic past, a vibrant sustainable community creating a living future” FOR ELECTRONIC VERSION OR MORE INFOMATION CONTACT: Wendy Everingham 03 328 9093 021 0476 144 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
