Blog
Giggles Garden Glow-Up: Growing, Learning & Digging in Together!
Exciting things are happening at Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre! Their amazing food forest is about to get a fresh burst of life, and guess what? The whole community is invited to join in the fun!
A Garden That Gives Back!
At Giggles, the garden isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about growing little minds, big hearts, and strong communities! With fresh fruits, veggies, and hands-on learning, kids get to dig, plant, and taste their way to a better understanding of where food comes from. Plus, the garden helps families by offering fresh produce to take home—because healthy eating should be easy and fun!
Banana Magic: The Mighty Mis Luki!
One of the most exciting sights in the Giggles Garden Glow-Up is watching the Mis Luki banana thrive! This incredible banana plant is growing strong and looking epic, with a flower just around the corner. Seeing tropical fruit flourish right here in Te Puke is a testament to the care and dedication of the community. Soon, the kids will get to witness the magic of a banana bloom—an amazing learning moment about how food grows from flower to fruit! Stay tuned for the big reveal as this banana beauty keeps reaching for the sky!
Community Power: Let’s Get Planting!
Shona Ua-Marsh, the heart behind this green project, invited plant lovers and helpers after a catch-up at the Kai Resilience Te Puke meetup. That’s how a fantastic new addition is coming to the garden—thanks to Troppo’s Tropical Food Forest in Clydesburn Ave! They’ve donated some super cool fruit trees, including:
White Sapote – Sweet and creamy, like a natural pudding!
Dragon Fruit – Spiky on the outside, but juicy and pink on the inside!
Black Mulberry – Little berries that are BIG on flavor (and perfect for little hands)!
Reminder: Join Us for the Maara Kai Clean-Up!
Kia ora, everyone!
This is a friendly reminder about our upcoming Maara Kai (vegetable garden) Clean-Up Day! Let’s come together as a community to tidy up, refresh, and prepare the garden for the autumn planting season.
When: Sunday, 2nd March
Time: 9am – 12 noon
Where: Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre, 68 Commerce Lane, Te Puke
Whether you’re a weed warrior, tidy-up champion, or a helping hand, every bit of effort will make a huge difference. Bring your gardening tools, gloves, and positive energy! We’ll provide light refreshments as a little thank-you for your hard work.
Let us know by Saturday, 1st March, if you can make it! Drop a comment or message us—we’d love to see as many of you as possible. Even if you can only spare a little time, it’s hugely appreciated!
Join the Fun!
A garden glow-up isn’t just about planting—it’s about laughing, learning, and getting a little messy! This is more than just a garden—it’s a place where kids explore, experiment, and experience the magic of nature. It’s about sharing, caring, and growing—together!
So, grab your gumboots, gloves, and a big smile—because the Giggles Garden Glow-Up is going to be a rootin’-tootin’, fruit-plantin’ good time!