People are invited to pick a few vegetables as they pass. Workshops are held to teach when and how to cultivate, harvest, cook,  preserve produce and save seed. 

To enhance sustainability we operate a worm farm to process garden debris, food scraps and cardboard, creating fertilizer for the planters. Some plants are allowed to go to seed so that seeds can be saved for planting.

If you want to learn how to grow your own vegetables sign up for one of our Workshops.

Volunteers assembled the planters, then installed them and shoveled in mountains of soil, then helped to plant around 300 seedlings:  a mammoth effort.  Businesses agreed to host and water the planters; more volunteers continue with seedling care, transplanting and maintenance, and top up watering.  Behind many 'official' volunteers have been family and community residents who have regularly helped out and supported in numerous ways. We salute you. You too can Volunteer to help with the ongoing care of the planters.

There is a sense of public ownership, guardianship and a great sense of pride in this initiative. As people pass in the street they stop to touch and inspect the plants and connect with others; children hunt for specific produce, chatting to and questioning their parents; others note plants' progress and may contact Sustainable Papakura with  updates. Monitoring the plants adds purpose to a walk through the Town Centre. Retailers coming out of their shops to water their plants  engage with the outside world as they do so, some putting out water for birds.