Team

Georgina Stanley

President

"Community gardening for me is this beautiful challenge of organising community to be the very best gardeners and people they can be. Hats off to those that have been in governance roles, you are the quiet pillars of community."

Peggy Kelly

Patron

"My earliest memories of gardening are as a 5 or 6 year old 'helping' to plant the Ailsa Craig tomatoes in our commercial greenhouse in Donegal (Ireland) on St Patrick's Day - as we did, on that holiday, every year. All my life I've had a garden - even as a student flatting."

Rachel Vogan

Capacity Builder

"Community Gardening is all about creating connections, developing networks, sharing knowledge and growing food. Everyone has a space and a place"

Sarah Higgins

Treasurer

"Community Gardens play a vital role in communities by bringing people together and breaking down social
isolation."

Lin Klenner

Committee Member

"Community Gardens educate people on sustainability and regenerative practices in a hands on way, while providing a space for all - no matter their background."

Catherine O'Neill

Committee Member

"Working towards something larger than ourselves is for me the foundation of community gardens. We provide inspiration, education and share knowledge about the benefits of growing and consuming organic food and looking after our environment."

Sandi Bobkova

Committee Member

"Community gardening to me, is all about sharing the knowledge and watching that knowledge spark passion in others. It's about putting the power of food security back in people's hands."
‍

Sarah Mankelow

Membership Secretary

"I love how community gardens bring people together . I still have lots to learn but I love the opportunity to support community in role as partnerships ranger for Council in the red zone."

Jam Jelly

"Quote."

Celebrating over 20 years of community gardening

A Flourishing Network of Gardens

Over the years, we've nurtured and expanded our reach, supporting a network of 52 community gardens. Each of these green spaces, dotted across the Canterbury area, stands as a testament to our shared love for the earth and for each other.

The Heartbeat - Our Volunteers

Canterbury's community gardens have been powered by the sheer passion and dedication of more than 500 volunteers. These individuals have rallied behind our cause, championing community growth, sustainability, and food justice.

Power of Support

We're lucky to have some amazing local organisations and businesses cheering us on from the sidelines. Their backing helps us turn forgotten spaces into thriving community gardens.

Food Forests & Pātaka Kai

Through these initiatives, we aim to nurture not just plants, but people too. We believe that by feeding our communities with locally-grown, healthy food, we're cultivating stronger bonds, fostering a culture of sharing and care, and a more sustainable, self-sufficient future.

How can we help?

Find quick answers to common questions below. For more information, check out our comprehensive FAQs page or contact us at info@ccga.org.nz.

What is the Canterbury Community Gardens Association?

The Canterbury Community Gardens Association is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting community gardens in the Canterbury region. We believe that community gardens are an essential part of healthy, sustainable communities and work to provide resources, training, and support for gardeners and garden projects.

How can I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved! You can join a local community garden, volunteer your time or resources, attend our events and workshops, or even start your own community garden. Visit our "Get Involved" page for more details.

How can I start a community garden in my neighbourhood?

The Canterbury Community Gardens Association is here to support you in this wonderful initiative. We provide resources and guidelines on our "Start a Garden" page, which outlines the process from finding a suitable site to engaging the community and maintaining the garden.

Do I have to bring my own tools and supplies to the community garden?

This can vary from garden to garden. Many community gardens have a shared pool of tools and basic gardening supplies. However, you may want to bring your own gloves or specific tools if you prefer. It's always a good idea to check with the coordinators of your specific garden.

What happens to the produce grown in the community gardens?

Produce grown in community gardens is typically shared among the participants. Some gardens might also donate a portion of their produce to local food banks or other charitable organisations. The exact distribution of produce will depend on the guidelines set by each individual garden.

About the CCGA
‍

We are a team with a shared passion for community gardens

Georgina Stanley

"Community gardening for me is this beautiful challenge of organising community to be the very best gardeners and people they can be. Hats off to those that have been in governance roles, you are the quiet pillars of community."

Peggy Kelly

"My earliest memories of gardening are as a 5 or 6 year old 'helping' to plant the Ailsa Craig tomatoes in our commercial greenhouse in Donegal (Ireland) on St Patrick's Day - as we did, on that holiday, every year. All my life I've had a garden - even as a student flatting."

Rachel Vogan

"Community Gardening is all about creating connections, developing networks, sharing knowledge and growing food. Everyone has a space and a place"

Sarah Higgins

"Community Gardens play a vital role in communities by bringing people together and breaking down social
isolation."

Lin Klenner

"Community Gardens educate people on sustainability and regenerative practices in a hands on way, while providing a space for all - no matter their background."

Catherine O'Neill

"Working towards something larger than ourselves is for me the foundation of community gardens. We provide inspiration, education and share knowledge about the benefits of growing and consuming organic food and looking after our environment."

Sandi Bobkova

"Community gardening to me, is all about sharing the knowledge and watching that knowledge spark passion in others. It's about putting the power of food security back in people's hands."
‍

Sarah Mankelow

"I love how community gardens bring people together . I still have lots to learn but I love the opportunity to support community in role as partnerships ranger for Council in the red zone."

Jam Jelly

"Quote."

"The joy of being a part of the CCGA? Simple. It's all about the people, the plants, and the constant memories."

Celebrating over 20 years of community gardening

A Flourishing Network of Gardens

The Heartbeat - Our Volunteers

Power of Support

Food Forests & Pātaka Kai

Guides & Workbooks

Resources from the CCGA team

Guide: How to start a community garden

How can we help?

What is the Canterbury Community Gardens Association?

How can I get involved?

How can I start a community garden in my neighbourhood?

Do I have to bring my own tools and supplies to the community garden?

What happens to the produce grown in the community gardens?

Pages

Support

About the CCGA‍

We are a team with a shared passion for community gardens

Georgina Stanley

"Community gardening for me is this beautiful challenge of organising community to be the very best gardeners and people they can be. Hats off to those that have been in governance roles, you are the quiet pillars of community."

Peggy Kelly

"My earliest memories of gardening are as a 5 or 6 year old 'helping' to plant the Ailsa Craig tomatoes in our commercial greenhouse in Donegal (Ireland) on St Patrick's Day - as we did, on that holiday, every year. All my life I've had a garden - even as a student flatting."

Rachel Vogan

"Community Gardening is all about creating connections, developing networks, sharing knowledge and growing food. Everyone has a space and a place"

Sarah Higgins

"Community Gardens play a vital role in communities by bringing people together and breaking down socialisolation."

Lin Klenner

"Community Gardens educate people on sustainability and regenerative practices in a hands on way, while providing a space for all - no matter their background."

Catherine O'Neill

"Working towards something larger than ourselves is for me the foundation of community gardens. We provide inspiration, education and share knowledge about the benefits of growing and consuming organic food and looking after our environment."

Sandi Bobkova

"Community gardening to me, is all about sharing the knowledge and watching that knowledge spark passion in others. It's about putting the power of food security back in people's hands."‍

Sarah Mankelow

"I love how community gardens bring people together . I still have lots to learn but I love the opportunity to support community in role as partnerships ranger for Council in the red zone."

Jam Jelly

"Quote."

"The joy of being a part of the CCGA? Simple. It's all about the people, the plants, and the constant memories."

Celebrating over 20 years of community gardening

A Flourishing Network of Gardens

The Heartbeat - Our Volunteers

Power of Support

Food Forests & Pātaka Kai

Guides & Workbooks

Resources from the CCGA team

Guide: How to start a community garden

How can we help?

What is the Canterbury Community Gardens Association?

How can I get involved?

How can I start a community garden in my neighbourhood?

Do I have to bring my own tools and supplies to the community garden?

What happens to the produce grown in the community gardens?

Pages

Support

About the CCGA
‍

"Community Gardens play a vital role in communities by bringing people together and breaking down social
isolation."

"Community gardening to me, is all about sharing the knowledge and watching that knowledge spark passion in others. It's about putting the power of food security back in people's hands."
‍