Edible Garden Tour

Over the last few years, Wellingtonians have embraced community gardens and orchards, and have planted edibles in their own gardens.

I’m proud that the small 450 sq metre garden in Island Bay that I planted with fruit trees seven years ago is included in this tour. We’ve always had two good lemon trees, but this year the plums ( Wilsons Early and Ballinger), apricot(Sundrop), pear(Doyen du Comice and Conference twingraft) grape vine (Schuyler) and espalier dapple ( Braeburn) have all had a bumper crop.

Ive learned over the years what does well in Wellington, and generally choose early ripening varieties and ones that are tolerant of wind.

Shelter is really important in Wellington gardens and I use trellis and other trees to create shelter, mulch with grass clippings, use the worm castings and juice from my worm farm, and remember to water when I can!

If you don’t have room for fruit trees on your own section, you can become a ” fruit tree guardian”, and apply to plant a tree on a piece of road reserve. My neighbour has done this on a walkway nearby.

Happy to hear stories about other peoples gardens, and tips on how to get more out of edible gardens, and remember if you have time tomorrow, visiting all these unique gardens is completely free!!!