My inspiration Mondays - Waimarie Community Garden

Just around the corner from my house is the Waimarie Community Garden, which is attached to the Waimarie Hamilton East Community House. 

Organic and Permaculture methods are used in the garden as these work with nature to create a sustainable, healthy garden ecosystem. Methods include using locally-sourced recycled materials, companion planting, rotational cropping, mulching, making their own compost and worm farming. 
The philosophy behind the Waimarie Community Garden is a belief in the therapeutic benefits of contact with nature. Its managers believe the social benefits of gathering together to garden, and prepare and eat a meal together at the end of the morning promotes health and well being. This happens on a Friday between 9.30am and 12.00pm when the garden is opened to anyone from the community who would like to help out.
Many of the gardeners are recovering from mental illness. Over time the managers have observed gardeners grow in confidence from learning new skills, meeting new people and developing friendships. They also enjoy the benefits of healthier lifestyles as they are able to take organic produce home from the garden to eat and some learn the skills to create their own garden plots at home and/or move into paid employment. 

Over the next month I'll be attending a two-hour organic gardening course at Waimarie Community Centre each Wednesday from 10am to 12pm. The course costs $10 per session and is run by Cheryl Noble of the Hamilton Permaculture Trust. Anyone from the local community is welcome to attend.
I'll post highlights of what I learn on Food for thought Fridays.