Common Ground is a community perma-culture garden based at the Home of Compassion in Island Bay. We see our garden as a place for members to grow vegetables, learn from each other, share resources, take a break from the rat race, and as small step out of today’s consumer society. Our vision is to have sustainability alive and active in Wellington. We aim to provide a space where Wellingtonians can learn about sustainable living, and how to practice examples of urban sustainability in their homes and neighbourhoods. We aim to be inclusive, accessible, relevant and welcoming, providing opportunities for people to work together and strengthen community relationships.

Our principles include an organic/permaculture ethos, zero waste, energy efficiency, community building and healthy lifestyle choices. Our wider vision is to work towards a 100 percent sustainable New Zealand. The garden began in mid-2005 with an empty field. We now have lots of garden space, a shed full of tools, fruit trees growing and a composting system. We are currently growing potatoes, silverbeet, beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, capsicum, beetroot, rocket, lettuce, oregano, sage, basil, strawberries, courgettes, squash and have a lot of pak choi that has gone to seed. We have small plots cared for by individuals and a large communal space we work collectively.

For more information drop in to a working bee on Sunday afternoon and we’ll show you around, or phone Kate Smith.