13. THE COMMUNE
356 Monmouth Rd, Stratford
Market garden
Zoe and Ricky, along with Min and Ryan, share a 1-hectare property between their two families. A small scale market garden using organic principles feeds their families year round and supplies weekly veggie boxes for 9 months of the year. They grow a range of cut flowers, sold at markets and the Stratford Crazy Pumpkin, and they offer various workshops during the year on growing your own food and creating floral arrangements.
Seedlings for sale. Wheelchair access. Toilets available.
Open hours:
1 Nov - 3 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Fri - Sun)
8 Nov - 10 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Fri - Sun)
14. The Farlands Farm
293 Opunake Rd, Stratford
Market garden
Levina runs 1/8 acre of market gardens on 3.6 acres of farmland, once owned by Lieutenant Colonel Malone. The gardens follow permaculture principles and provide spray free, organically grown vegetables to local markets. You'll find hot and cold composts, no dig gardens with companion planting, chickens, sheep, and solar running the wash and pack room. A great property to hear about clay soil and compaction, natural weed, pest and disease control.
Seedlings for sale. Wheelchair access. Toilets available.
Open hours:
1 Nov between 10am - 6pm (Fri)
2 Nov - 10 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat - Sun)
15. Avonstour Island
1170 Makuri Rd, Huiroa
Rare breeds farm
John raises organic heritage rare breeds on the farm which holds livestock genetics from yesteryear for the future. The property breeds and promotes a range of different cattle, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys and poultry. They run workshops on self-sufficiency, host farm stays and group tours, and sell produce from their heritage orchard and more.
Seedlings for sale. Toilets available.
Whānau friendly:
Enjoy a friendly and free pony ride (up to 35kg)
Keep your eyes peeled for painted rocks, then hide in a new spot for the next garden explorer!
Open hours:
2 Nov - 3 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)
9 Nov - 10 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)
16. Naturally Nell's
192 Skinner Rd, Stratford
Small backyard
Nell is a medical herbalist whose brimming organic garden is set on a small rural property and is an inspiration to anyone wanting to grow their own organic food and herbs. It combines seasonal crops and edible weeds into the daily diet while navigating extremes in seasons. Nell loves to share knowledge of her plants and the constantly changing landscape which follows nature’s principles of being wild and free.
Seedlings for sale. Wheelchair access. Toilets available.
Workshops and talks:
Wild Foraging for First Aid 3pm 1-5 Nov (Fri-Tue) & 8-10 Nov (Fri-Sun)
Open hours:
1 Nov - 5 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Fri - Tue)
8 Nov - 10 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Fri - Sun)
Toko School
1057 East Rd, Toko
School backyard
Toko School is a Beyond Green Gold EnviroSchool. All classes have enviro areas of responsibility that they learn about and maintain throughout the year. These include the school orchard, vegetable gardens, herb gardens, chickens, bees, distilling, worm fertiliser factory, recycling centre and the recycled bottle house.
Toilets available.
Open hours:
1 Nov between 9am - 2.30pm (Fri)
4 - 8 Nov between 9am - 2.30pm (Mon-Fri)
