National gardening month
Grow a piece of paradise this national gardening month.
Gardening is getting a little more room to grow, with New Zealand’s long-running National Gardening Week expanding into National Gardening Month this October. The month-long celebration reflects the growing role gardening plays in New Zealanders’ lives – from growing fresh food and creating havens for birds and bees, to transforming balconies, courtyards and backyards into places to relax and reconnect.
With the theme ‘Grow a piece of paradise’, National Gardening Month encourages everyone to get involved, regardless of the size of their outdoor space or gardening experience. Whether it’s planting herbs on a sunny windowsill, creating a colourful flower bed, growing the family’s vegetables or establishing a native sanctuary, the month celebrates the idea that paradise looks different for everyone.
Gardening isn’t something that stops after a single weekend.
“We wanted to give New Zealanders more time to be inspired, visit their local garden centre, attend a garden festival or plant something new and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching it grow,” says Debbie Pascoe, NZ Plant Producers Inc spokesperson.
“Creating your own piece of paradise doesn’t have to mean a large garden or a big budget. It can start with just one pot and one plant. Gardening is one of the few activities that benefits our wellbeing, our communities and the environment all at the same time,” says Debbie.
National Gardening Month runs throughout October and a calendar of activities can be found at nationalgardeningmonth.co.nz.
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WIN
A $300 GARDENING HAMPER!
To celebrate National Gardening Month, readers have the chance to win a hamper of gardening goodies to kickstart their little piece of paradise. The prize comprises a collection of premium plants, seeds and gardening products, valued at $300 and generously donated by New Zealand’s gardening industry.
To enter, email your name and phone number to editor@metros.co.nz by 15 October 2026 with the subject line ‘gardening month’. Entrants must live in Canterbury to win. T & C apply.
