Wairarapa digs deep following garden theft

The group that maintains and manages the community gardens near St Andrews church in Featherston are rapt about the number of people who are rallying around in support following publicity about their gardening equipment being stolen.

As reported in the Times-Age yesterday, all the community garden’s equipment – including wheelbarrows, a new lawnmower, hose, weed eater, several trowels, gardening gloves, and trestle tables – was recently stolen after its storage shed was broken into.

The support since has been wonderful after people heard the news, said Hana Makin, one of the group of residents who runs the garden.

“We have had people wanting to donate unused gardening equipment; I have spoken to someone who wants to give a weed wacker,” she said.

“We have had people drop off items by the church.

“Because of this surge of support, we have created a Facebook page to share what we do.”

Anyone interested in donating equipment should message the group via them on the social media page [Featherston Community Garden Planning] or come to their next event on May 19 at 2pm so they can make the donation in person.

  Second-hand tools are very welcome, Makin said, and basic equipment is what is needed most.

“If you have any trowels, spades, shovels, secateurs, rakes – anything you don’t need – it would be appreciated,” she said.

“Bigger things like lawnmowers will, of course, also be welcome.”

Following the theft, the group intends to make security for their equipment a priority.

Makin also emphasised the group is keen to recruit new volunteers, and that gardening expertise is not required.

“You can come to learn some gardening or even just for a cup of tea and a scone,” she said.

“All are welcome; the more the merrier; just come down to our event on May 19.”

The one-year anniversary of the garden was celebrated last month, and the group has recently finished harvesting its summer crops, including potatoes, kumara, and tomatoes.

Makin added that the group is now considering planting winter crops and would welcome donations of seedlings.