The Gardens That Feed a Village

Plant It, Pick It, Share It: Life in the Longridge Gardens

One day's harvest from the Longridge gardens, wheelbarrow full, baskets overflowing and more than enough to share.

The gardens at Longridge aren’t just a nice extra, they’re a big part of village life. What started as a small top garden back in 2019 with a few citrus trees has grown into a full-blown operation, now spread across two large sections of land, producing more fruit and veg than most residents can carry in one go.

Broccoli, silverbeet, snow peas, cabbage, and a couple of homegrown oranges, all picked fresh at Longridge, all grown by residents.

Longridge residents grow sweet corn, pumpkins, beans, leeks, onions, zucchinis, peppers, eggplants, lettuce, and more, depending on the season. It changes with the weather, and there’s always something growing. Most of it ends up in residents’ kitchens - they take what they need and make use of it. It’s fresh, healthy, and always seems to taste better when it’s grown by their neighbours. Some gets preserved, and the rest makes its way to help others.

Around 20 residents are involved in the gardening team, and extras often turn up when there’s a working bee on. There’s no boss, no rosters - everyone just does what they can. Seedling planting is a favourite job for a few of the regular gardeners, who also enjoy sharing their tips with others. Some help with weeding, watering, or admin. Others just pop down to see what’s ready to pick. There’s always something to be mucked in with.

There are also raised box beds, which make it easier for people who can’t kneel. That’s meant more residents can get involved, and that’s a big part of why it works - no one’s left out.

The village maintenance team are also a huge part of it. They handle the heavy lifting, the digging, and the jobs that many residents can’t manage anymore. Their next cultivation is booked in for August. The wider Longridge team have supported the gardens from the beginning - always encouraging residents to lead the way and stepping in with help whenever it’s needed.

With over 90 acres at Longridge, there’s room to grow. The maintenance crew gets stuck in prepping garden beds for residents.

In recent years, residents have had some pretty impressive crops. This last summer, the zucchinis got away on us and turned into marrows - as they do. One of the gardeners shared a recipe for stuffed marrow, which was a hit!

And nothing goes to waste. Residents turn extra fruit into jams, chutneys, relishes, or freeze it for later. Even the small or overripe feijoas don’t go to waste. One resident froze down around eight litres of pulp, which later became fig and ginger jam. These jars, along with fresh produce from the gardens, are available at the Rec Centre for a small donation. Everything raised goes straight back into the village - helping fund events, activities, and supplies.

If there’s still surplus, it’s taken down to Pātaka Kai in Paeroa - a community food hub that helps Hauraki whānau access affordable, healthy food through a points-based system. The last donation from the Longridge gardeners filled three car boots with fresh veges. It’s a good feeling, knowing it’s going to a place where it’s needed.

Our residents appreciate having the opportunity to enjoy vegetables and fruits grown right here in the village gardens. And it’s clear they take pride in growing it, sharing it, and giving back to the wider community.

At Longridge Country Estate, the communal gardens are resident-led.

The bottom garden, a more recent addition, has been a bit of a project. It’s bigger and took some effort to get going, but with support from the village team and a bit of grit, it’s now another productive space.

Visitors to Longridge often comment on the gardens. If you’re coming for a visit or an Open Day, make time to walk through the orchards and raised garden beds. You’ll likely spot citrus, herbs, and maybe even a marrow or two. It’s hands-on, heart-filled, and proudly homegrown.

Want to see it for yourself? Contact us to book a visit or find out when the next Open Day is happening. We’re always happy to show people around.

It’s not just the people that make this possible - it’s the space. With over 90 acres across the village, there’s room to grow real food, support each other, and keep it all community-led. Most villages don’t have that kind of freedom. It’s something we’re proud of, and something visitors often notice straight away.