You couldn’t be blamed if you walked past the entrance to the Kelmarna Gardens without a second thought as to what lies beyond the gate and you certainly wouldn’t think four and a half acres of urban oasis could be hidden away between the streets and rows of houses. Nestled away, little treasures like this are what Ponsonby is all about and what make our area so special.
It was a busy day for everybody; a packed schedule, plenty of stalls, live music and good food made sure nobody was left unentertained.
The day started with Sarah Smuts-Kennedy teaching audiences how to create a biodynamic cowpat pit, getting her hands very messy in the process.
Down in the paddocks musician Luke Hurley performed pieces to a captivated audience, including his classic song ‘Mona Lisa’. Other artists throughout the afternoon included Pixels, Karen Hunter and Chillele. Just metres away Orphans Kitchen, the Metro Restaurant Award Winners, put on a tasty BBQ to feed a hungry crowd.
For younger people there was face painting and horse rides, with all proceeds going towards maintaining and improving the gardens.
The day ended in a way just as cruel on the nostrils as it began, with Judy Keats teaching crowds the art of compost making.
The event is run by volunteers and friends of the garden, who also helped organise the Spring Festival, the first of its kind, in October last year.
The Kelmarna Garden Community Trust leases the land from Auckland Council, and the lease was recently renewed for a five-year plus term. Despite the gardens already looking better than ever the trust is striving to improve them even further. Upcoming projects such as revitalising the organic demonstration garden and developing education and research programmes are just some of the ways they hope to bring the garden to new heights. They are also seeking volunteers and donations to help keep this valuable community resource open for everyone.
Unfortunately the weather makes it unlikely that the Autumn Festival will be repeated, but there are plans for a second Spring Festival later this year when the sunny weather returns. So next time you run out of fresh greens for your smoothies, call in and support the garden. (George Shiers)
KELMARNA GARDENS, Hukanui Avenue, T: 09 376 0472, www.kelmarnagardens.nz