Pre-schoolers at Eastside Playcentre were helping Murray Whitlock harvest radishes they had planted although most did not like the taste of the pungent root vegetable.
What they do enjoy is Mr Whitlock's regular visits to read them stories - something he has done for the past 11 years and there is even a corner with a sign "Mr Whitlocks Reading Corner" in a designated space.
Mr Whitlock cycles from his home in Raine St to the playcentre and to Wanganui East School where he has been gardening and reading to children for 12 years.
"I sometimes meet children who have attended the playcentre when I go to the primary school and there was one little boy who really stood out.
"When I told him that I attended Wanganui East School myself and the year I started, he worked out my age.