Lots of fun for all at rooftop garden

Students at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic have brought nature to Tauranga's cityscape and created a garden on the roof of the Bongard Centre.

Five floors above the ground is the polytechnic's fantasy garden, a feature in this year's Garden and Artfest 2012.

The interactive garden, which opens to the public at 7 tonight, is a children's playground where dipping your feet in a paddling pool is part of the experience.

The garden was created by Diploma in Graphic Design students with the visitors' experience set to sounds from the Diploma in Music Production and Performance students.

Creative director Laurie Steer said it was free to visit the garden in Cameron Rd. People could buy handmade gifts from the pop-up store, with all funds raised donated to Starship Children's Hospital.

Mr Steer said creating the garden was a liberating experience which allowed everyone involved to "have a bit of fun" while getting involved in an altruistic project.

The garden will be open each day until Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

On Friday evening, from 6pm to 10pm, Kiwi musician Anna Coddington will play a set on the rooftop, with tickets costing $25.

The following night the Infuse Catwalk Fashion Show will be held on the rooftop, showcasing end-of-year collections from fashion diploma and degree students, with tickets costing $20.