Crop Swap Garden Ramble

Crop Swap Matamata meet twice monthly to share all things related to a productive garden – produce, seeds, recipes, tips and friendship.  

After one of our 'swappers’ came up with the idea of a garden ramble, the group began organising occasional outings to see fellow swappers' gardens. A single lifestyle block garden was the first one visited, and a pattern of two ‘in town’ gardens or one lifestyle block developed. Next was the idea to have a day-long ramble. This happened, very successfully, in March 2023 when we visited eight gardens in and around town.

The theme is always ‘Real gardens – no extra weeding!’ as we don’t want to put pressure on hosts. At one of the homes a morning tea or lunch is usually provided; everyone contributes food.

In early March this year, Matamata’s Crop Swappers toured two lifestyle block gardens southwest of the town. What a contrast the two properties were! Brie and John’s garden was nothing short of amazing. During the COVID-19 lockdown John decided on a garden project to keep himself busy. One project led to another and he just doesn’t stop! Incorporating the garden next door to include more fruit and vegetable spaces, they have created a gardeners’ dream. As you move from one ‘room’ to another, you cannot help but marvel at the water features, stunning displays of colour, massively productive gardens, chooks, a shade house, bar, summerhouse...the list goes on. It is a riot of colour and a testimonial to hard work and imagination.

Brie discussing her garden during a 'ramble'

The second garden was Michelle’s, in the Hinuera valley. When the family moved on to the property, not a single fruit tree or vegetable was growing. Now, there is a large vegetable garden of raised beds, two polytunnels, a food forest, chooks and a few head of cattle. All carved out of what was formerly a paddock. It is often described as “very English”, which is not surprising as Michelle hails from the UK. The garden is truly rambling as her approach is very laissez-faire. Plants are predominately sourced from bargain bins and Crop Swap (of course), self-seeded or home sown.

Our garden rambles are relaxed, fun, informative and productive, with swappers returning home armed with tips to try out and seeds/cuttings/plants to get into the ground.