From backyards to pots and windowsills, this partnership between the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board and the Canterbury Horticultural Society is an opportunity to celebrate all types of food gardens.

Entries for the 2024 Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards closed on Sunday 12 January 2025.

If you're proud of your peas or delighted with your dill, we want to hear from you.

Entry is free and open to individuals, groups, organisations, schools, early learning centres and businesses.

Your garden must be located in the Waitai Coastal-Burwoood-Linwood Community Board area. 

After you have submitted your entry, Canterbury Horticultural Society members will arrange to visit your garden early next year and offer advice and feedback on things like:

  • Plant variety, quality and health.
  • General presentation.
  • Management of weeds.
  • Innovative features.
  • Water saving techniques.
  • Use of beneficials – flowers, herbs, companion planting.
  • Organic aspects – conversion of waste, etc.
  • Crop rotation and planning – sustainability.

We would love to see high-resolution photos of your gardening journey, from planting to harvesting.

With your permission, we would love to use these photos to celebrate your great efforts and for promotional purposes.

For advice on setting up and growing your edible garden see:

Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board

The Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board is committed to encouraging the growth of localised food production. The Board’s active and ongoing support for activities and initiatives that build strong and resilient communities is a priority.

We are also keen to support and grow our relationships with local primary schools championing the next generation to grow their own food, and nurture their environment, themselves and others.

In partnership with the Canterbury Horticultural Society, the Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards programme within the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board area is a wonderful way to acknowledge and celebrate those local residents, schools and communities that are passionate about their gardens and their bountiful harvests.

Allan Paterson – President, Canterbury Horticultural Society

Canterbury Horticultural Society is pleased to join with the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board for its Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards.

The pleasure and health benefits of creating your own garden to produce fresh, healthy food for the family and friends are so rewarding.

We look forward to visiting the wonderful edible gardens in Coastal-Burwood-Linwood.

For more information about the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards, contact Hannah Martin at 03 941 8999 or hannah.martin@ccc.govt.nz.