Photograph courtesy of the Hawkes Bay Today

There's a calmness about Meeanee's Earth Gardens which is almost palpable. It hits you as soon as you walk into the Sandy Road grounds.
That's not too say it doesn't look busy. Just glancing around the five-acre block shows you what a hive of industry it is.

The neatly sectioned winter garden, protected by a hedge of lavender, sits there full of produce. Beyond it is the 'summer garden' which is only now starting to be cultivated, although there are still potatoes awaiting harvest.

There's not just conventional vegetables either. As a trialist for seeds brought into the country by nearby Asian Gardens, exotic varieties are also available. The buildings are neat and tidy. The first encountered is the maintenance shed, then comes the administration centre with its large kitchen/dining/lounge area and further on is the recreation building, complete with a pool table and comfortable furnishings, and an art studio.

In the kitchen, morning tea is being prepared. Lunch will come later and, in between, produce will be transformed into jams and preserves which not only feed those on site but are used to barter for goods and services. There are fruit trees and berry bushes on the property.

"The Hawke's Bay Waste Exchange has been a huge help", Earth Gardens manager Geoff Quarrie says. For instance, the black netting sitting there waiting to be framed to protect the gardens from bird attacks.

"That's just one thing we've been given".

Finance to run the centre comes from the Ministry of Social Development but bartering and fundraising (including the annual Harvest Fair in March) provide the 'extras' such as plastic hot houses.

Everything is organic. Another load of horse manure arrives as Geoff shows me the compost heap. Everywhere there are signs of production and while their labours are appreciated, Geoff says "We're also lucky with the help we get from the community".

Pauline Sutton, Napier Courier and Hastings Leader Community Newspapers (24th August)

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