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GARDENING

Vegie patch proves productive

Hutt City Council

Tuesday 17 July 2012, 2:38PM

By Hutt City Council

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Betty Hodgins, left and Tina Togher at Hutt City Council's foodbank gratefully take the first organic produce from the raised vegetable bed built by council staff.
Betty Hodgins, left and Tina Togher at Hutt City Council's foodbank gratefully take the first organic produce from the raised vegetable bed built by council staff. Credit: Hutt City Council

LOWER HUTT

The garden bed, located on the north side of War Memorial Library, was planted with cabbage, garlic, bok choy, cavalo, nero, silverbeet and lettuce. Staff intend to plant year round, selecting varieties according to the season. The raised bed, built of untreated macrocarpa, contains a weed-free organic compost-soil mix. Environmental sustainability manager Jez Partridge says staff have happily taken up the job of planting and maintaining the garden. “The idea is to demonstrate to the public how simple it is to grow vegies and provide for yourself. It also drives home the point that eating healthily and working as a community can pay off.” The foodbank, the entrance to which is behind the council buildings in Laings Road, distributes a variety of fresh and packaged food to those in need.