Growing as an educational learning space for the local schools, the new Good Neighbour garden in Welcome Bay will see regular visits from Welcome Bay Primary and Selwyn Ridge.

'The children will have an opportunity to put into practice what they are learning by developing the garden space further,” says Garden co-ordinator at Welcome Bay Andrea Green.

Andrea says these opportunities include the chance for children to plant lavender hedges and fruit trees, enjoy a sensory garden – and a potting shed will help them grow seedlings in winter.

And there are still garden spaces for the public to rent.

The available plots are good value at only $12.50 a month, says Good Neighbour Trust manager Campbell Hill.

'The beds are 4.5m x 1.5m, irrigated, filled with quality growing materials and all ready to start your autumn planting.”

The garden has regular workshops, grows on organic principles and with an interest in food security and sustainability will also include seed collecting.

And there is always room for even more growth, says Campbell.

'Our next venture for the community garden is to develop an outdoor food shelter for food preparation and outdoor cooking, which will include a gas fired hangi, a pizza oven and barbecue area.”

Good Neighbour is also working towards planting a small orchard and designing a sensory garden.

Tauranga Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout officially opened the Welcome Bay Good Neighbour Community Garden at a ceremony on March 17, with bouncy castles for the children by Super Slides, as well as food and refreshments sponsored by Good Neighbour Food Rescue, Welcome Bay Lions, Welcome Bay Community Centre and Lighthouse Church.

With garden plots still available, email Andrea Green at gncommunitygardenwbay@gmail.comfor more information on renting a garden.