Horticulture and Organic gardening

The Kelmarna and Devonport Organic City Farms of Framework provide training opportunities and self development designed around productive organic vegetable gardening and horticulture.

Kelmarna:  The gardens operate as an holistic therapeutic vocational training centre, and have full organic certification.

Devonport:  The nursery provides an environment that enables people to learn and participate in all aspects of horticulture and work skills.

In summary, the two gardens offer:

specialist training in organic horticulture, sustainable development and individualized learning and support in:

•    horticulture

•    sustainable living

•    life skills

•    self development

•    pre-vocational skills

•    further education.

How is this achieved?

Through a series of training modules including:

•    compost making

•    worm farming

•    holistic healthy lifestyles

•    food and mood

•    companion planting

Framework has embraced  the Strengths Model(Charles A, Rapp). The model focuses on the strengths of the individual and allows them to establish achievable goals that meet their needs and aspirations. Goals are reviewed and renewed  three monthly. Regular community participation occurs, for example, supporting the development of other organic gardens, and development of individual organic garden beds. Regular contact occurs with mental health networks and attending consumer meetings such as Shared Vision, and there is support from other Framework services such as Personal Focus and Workfocus.

The service emphasises developing the autonomy of the individual with a view to moving through the services to employment or further learning. Service users have the opportunity to be supported in training options with the possibility of inclusion in social enterprises, which will enhance skills and employment prospects.  A referral form for the horticulture programmes is available by contacting gardens’ staff or can be downloaded from the Framework website at
www.framework.org.nz

A Referral form for the horticulture programmes is available by contacting gardens  staff .

Contact us:

Senior Coordinator

Kelmarna Organic City Farm
12 Hukanui Cres
Herne Bay
Tel 09 376 0472

Devonport Organic City Farm
4/27 Lake Road
Devonport
Tel 09 445 4087

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