More of the gardens

Last week, I showed you the gardens near the Opanuku Stream. Today, I want to move over to the area behind the Vines. Because we live in the Atrium, I don't get over to the Vine's gardens as often as I should.  Well, at least with a camera anyway.  So, I went over the other day and got some pictures.  

This is the Vines. There is another section of apartments on the left that can't be seen from this angle.  Notice the Sky Bridge that connects it to the Mews/Ferns buildings, which in turn are joined to the Atrium on one side and Rosecourt on the other.    

In the Sky Bridge facing the Vines.

Looking out of the Sky Bridge to the left, 

and to the right.  

I have just exited the Vines through one of the doors facing the gardens.  This is the lower level. That's a weeping cherry tree just ahead. It was 'pink as' not long ago.  

I'm climbing now to the upper level.

The grapes are doing well.

That's the Vines Carpark in the background. Those are individual raised plots in the middle background and a large open flower garden area on the right. Of course, we also have our central mini-garden in the middle of the 'roundabout'.

These are potatoes and zucchini. 

These are pole beans on the left and more zucchini.  

Tomatoes and basil. 

The thing that impresses me the most about this area of garden, is that it was reclaimed from a graveled area.  All that was dug out by hand, replaced with soil and compost, etc., and planted. These are dedicated gardeners.   

This area was once in need of upgrading.  John and Odette have not only produced the vegetables in the other plots I showed you, they have filled this area with color.  I wish you could see it in person.  My pictures fall way short of showing it as beautiful as they have made it. 

This is a closer view of the private, individual garden plots.

I took this picture of a flower to represent all the flowers that are grown here. Once a week, Raewyn picks and arranges a number of bouquets that residents can purchase for just a coin. 

My greatest regret about these two garden posts I've done is that my pictures cannot possibly show you the reality of it all.  I've commented on all the work that has been done, but that doesn't show the hours of volunteer labor so many people here have put in, day in and day out. I've mentioned a few people by name, but there are so many more that also give their time to producing flowers and vegetables that benefit all the residents of our village. I am not a gardener myself, but I respect and thank everyone who contributes to making Waitakere Gardens what it is.    -djf