When it came to the subject of sustainability, Arvida St Albans residents found they had very green fingers. After a new community main entrance opened, that included a garden area to enjoy, new garden initiatives began to sprout from the minds of St Alban’s residents.

Raised gardens and vegetable pods were installed and these really engaged both residents and the team. This initiative resulted in fun sunflower and potato growing competitions between residents and community team members. The bountiful crop was eventually used in lots of salads and the new potatoes were even prepared for Christmas lunch!

With so many plants grown in the raised garden, they were taken to local markets to sell and have currently raised $3,000 this year for charity.

A hidden magical fairy garden was also the brainchild of residents, primarily for children to explore as they visit the St Albans community. The men’s group made wooden fairy houses, with the graft group adding the house decorations to ‘entice the fairies’. Solar-powered lights have meant the garden can be enjoyed by visiting children during the day and night.

Another discovery for visiting children were the pet rocks. The craft group painted large rocks and hid them in the community garden for children to find. The challenge for residents and visitors was to walk around the entire garden area and find all 21 hidden pet rocks.

Spring garden planning has already begun, and the men’s group have set their sights on their next project – a potting workbench made from leftover pallets.

The green fingers and exciting ideas look to continue during the upcoming warmer months at Arvida St Albans in Christchurch.