What can we do collectively to ensure our land is more resilient to weather extremes? &nbsp;‘Sponge gardens’ and ‘sponge cities’ are a hot topic right now due to their ability to absorb excess water and CO2 from the atmosphere. &nbsp;Whether you’re keen on native planting and restoration, and/or permaculture-style productive gardens, the basic premise is to cover bare land with a diverse range of suitable plants and trees to increase the water holding capacity of the soil. Let’s get planting! &nbsp;
Join EcoMatters staff: Pamela Gill, Principal: Restoration, Community and Iwi Relationships and Meg Liptrot, EcoHub Education Programme and Organic Teaching Garden Coordinator for a tour to learn about sponge gardens and an opportunity to buy plants from our nursery to get going with your very own.&nbsp;
Pam will introduce the issues, and the main principles behind the idea of sponge gardens in the landscape. &nbsp;Then take a tour around the the native stream-side revegetation at Olympic Park. Pam will discuss her experience and observations of this and other sites she is involved with as part of Project Twin Streams and Healthy Waters, and how we can ‘make space for water’ within our urban planning and design. &nbsp;
Later, tour EcoMatters Organic Teaching Garden where Meg will discuss some of the features of the site and garden. These include a productive ‘swale’ featuring moisture-loving, quick growing plants along a problem boggy area within the food forest.&nbsp;
We will also take a look at some permeable paving around the EcoHub and a permeable roading and rain garden soakage area on Olympic Place. &nbsp;
A range of plants selected from our nursery suitable for sponge gardens will be available to purchase/order on the day. &nbsp;
“Choose what you pay” tickets are available for this event at $5, $10 and $15.

Planting for resilience: Rain sponge gardens