Growing a greener church at Christ Church Ellerslie
Contributed by Bernice
On the afternoon of Saturday 22 August, the grounds of Christ Church Ellerslie were abuzz with energy, enthusiasm and a fair bit of digging – proof that when our parish puts its mind to something, we can move mountains (of earth, in this case).
Our garden working bee was a great success, bringing members of our church whānau and wider community together to care for and rejuvenate the grounds.
We planted a wonderful selection of native species: six mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium), six mountain flax (Phormium cookianum), six creeping pōhuehue (Muehlenbeckia axillaris), six Māori sedge (Carex maorica) and six rengarenga (Arthropodium cirratum).
These plants will bring new life to the church grounds while providing valuable food and habitat for insects, birds and other urban wildlife. We hope that, as the garden grows, it will attract more native birdsong, strengthen the local urban ecosystem and create a healthier, more biodiverse environment for years to come.
A heartfelt thank you to the Anglican Diocese of Auckland for supporting our Eco Church journey and encouraging us to put our care for God’s creation into action.
