Grow On Katikati Scarecrow Workshop and Edible Backyard Safari Draw Crowds

Two popular community events run by Grow On Katikati brought locals together in February and March, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and a love of growing food. Coordinator support Diana Donker said the scarecrow-making workshop and competition, held on 14 February, drew 32 participants who crafted 12 imaginative scarecrows entirely from recycled and reused materials. When poor weather forced the event indoors at short notice, the Katikati Community Centre stepped up and provided a generous space to keep things on track.

Two weeks later, on 1 March, Grow On Katikati hosted its Edible Backyard Safari, taking 34 participants on a road trip to five inspiring rural gardens across the area. Each garden host shared their personal growing journey alongside practical tips for making the most of home gardens. Donker described it as a day filled with discovery, connection, and inspiration.

Feedback from both events was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant saying they were still putting ideas gleaned from each garden into practice well after the day itself. Donker said the two events together highlighted the strength of community initiatives that bring people together to share skills, creativity, and a passion for growing kai. More information is available at www.growonkatikati.com.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).