For Kevin Collins, the Otūmoetai Community Railway Gardens have been a cherished part of his life for the last 16 years.

“It’s not far to walk from my home on Ngatai Rd and I usually grow vegetables like tomatoes, beans and potatoes,” he said.

“I like to get out there and help other gardeners, too. You meet a lot of people there. It’s a peaceful spot with fruit trees, which makes it a good meeting place.”

Collins will be among fellow volunteers at Otūmoetai Community Railway Gardens, which will open 9am-12 noon this Sunday as part of a collective Community Garden Open Day.

The event, with 11 participating gardens, is being run by Envirohub as part of Sustainable Backyards month. Regional event coordinator Te Ara Dirkse said it’s the first time for an event of this kind.

“Those who get a plot, become part of a community that shares plants and produce and it’s nice to have that “third place” in the community to connect with people who have a similar interest and have face to face time rather than screen time.”

Some gardens grow for foodbanks or a Pātaka Kai (sharing shelves) where excess produce is put for anyone to grab. Some gardens will be offering produce or preserves, and all will have volunteers on hand to answer questions and guide visitors around the garden.

“We want people who’ve been driving or walking past wondering what they do, to be nosey and go take a look,” said Dirkse.

“I have friends with plots and they tell me it’s great because a lot of people there have knowledge – sometimes 60 years’ worth of information to pass on – so they enjoy the social aspect and just getting their hands in the soil.

“Compared to previous generations, we don’t have that sense of sharing and community so I like the idea of getting more people involved in their local community garden, where people can get face to face and be amongst greenery and shared knowledge.”

Bay of Plenty Community Garden Open Day is on Sunday, March 16, from 9am-midday. For more information and a map at: envirohub.org.nz/event/community-garden-open-day