17. Little Insect Farm
161 Sangster Rd, Rawhitiroa
Large backyard
Aaron and Melissa have created as many closed-loop systems as possible on their 3.4-acre property. Upcycling is crucial with a focus on encouraging wildlife. Come and see an established food forest and veggie garden on steep terrain, greywater and composting toilet system, root cellar, passively heated rammed tyre glasshouse, electric vehicles, and insect farming. This is an inspiring property to visit on the way to Rotokare Scenic Reserve.
Seedlings for sale. Toilets available.
Workshops and talks:
Investigating Insects: promoting the good, controlling the bad, and tasting the edible. 3pm 3 Nov & 10 Nov (Sun)
Bountiful Food Forests: Growing a low maintenance food forest on a hillside. 10am 2 Nov & 9 Nov (Sat)
Whānau friendly
Hunt out all the special insects hidden around the property (plus enjoy the tramp and swings).
Keep your eyes peeled for painted rocks, then hide in a new spot for the next garden explorer!
Open hours:
2 Nov - 3 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)
9 Nov - 10 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)
18. Mountain Road Estate
5881 Mountain Rd, Normanby
Truffle & herb farm
In eight years, Dan and Kylie have transformed 3 acres into 240 truffle-inoculated trees, 500 lavender plants, 100 white sage plants and 100 hazel nut trees. They have introduced cycles within the property, created machinery - all while raising three children. MRE make products to reduce the impact of stress and will soon be selling truffles and hazelnuts nationally.
Seedlings for sale. Wheelchair access. Toilets available.
Workshops and talks:
Herbal Tea Discovery 11am 1 Nov (Fri) & 2pm 2 Nov (Sat)
Distillation Experience 12.30pm 3 Nov (Sun) & 10 Nov (Sun)
Understanding Truffles 2pm 9 Nov (Sat)
Whānau friendly
Take part in a eight station scavenger hunt (plus enjoy the playground and watch the fish).
Keep your eyes peeled for painted rocks, then hide in a new spot for the next garden explorer!
Open hours:
1 Nov & 8 Nov between 10am - 1pm (Fri)
2 Nov - 3 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)
9 Nov - 10 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)
19. Goldbush Micro Farm
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this property is no longer in the Backyards Trail.
20. Watts Good
10 Grey St, Hāwera
Small backyard
Chris, Krystel, and their children are a typical family with an urban backyard that produces a lot of food in a small space. You'll see a variety of fruit trees, no-dig annual and perennial vegetables, and herb gardens (both culinary and medicinal), as well as mulch grown onsite. They have composting systems, worm farming, garden framing using recycled materials, roof water collection with a garden wash station, and a rotating chicken coop.
Seedlings for sale. Wheelchair access.
Workshops and talks:
Growing in small spaces 3.30pm 2 Nov & 9 Nov (Sat), 10am 3 Nov & 10 Nov (Sun)
Open hours:
2 Nov - 3 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)
9 Nov - 10 Nov between 10am - 4pm (Sat & Sun)
ST MARYS COMMUNITY GARDEN
101 Collins St, Hāwera
Community Garden
St Marys Garden was established in April 2022 and is well on its way to becoming a great community garden space! A place for workshops, learning and growing together.
Wheelchair access.
Open hours:
Everyday (unmanned)
Workshops and talks:
Tour of the community garden and how to get involved. 10am 2 Nov (Sat)
Harvesting and storing seed from your garden. 10-11am 10 Nov (Sun)
