A fanciful afternoon at Fountain Garden

Fountain Garden, at Plummer's Point, will host a ladies' garden party for Bellyful Tauranga next month. Photo: FILE

A community organisation that feeds families with babies and sick young children will next month feed a garden full of ladies instead.

Bellyful Tauranga will host a fundraising garden party at the Fountain Gardens next month.

Bellyful Tauranga recipient co-ordinator Karen Watts says the organisation provides three meals for families with newborn babies and families with young children who are struggling with illness. It is completely volunteer run and costs about $800 a month to run.

"In February we delivered over 130 meals to 39 families, so there is a need for it in Tauranga and the service is definitely utilised," Karen says.

She says they're hoping to raise more than $2000 through the garden party.

"We looked at a high tea, but we thought a garden party would be just a little bit different."

She says Fountain Garden has donated the venue for free.

Attendees can relax on the lawn playing croquet while sipping a glass of bubbles, sit in the dell listening to live music or wander the paths soaking up the atmosphere of the afternoon with friends.

Afternoon tea will be served from 2.30 till 3.30pm in the marquee.

People are welcome to come from 1pm till 4pm, or just pop in for a shorter period during the event.

With more than 30 unique water features, fountains and other garden art, plus a variety of ponds, streams and bridges, there's plenty to see and explore at Fountain Gardens.

The gardens are linked together by a series of paths that wind their way through the beautiful native gully, around the pond and through the rose garden area.

Please note this event does not have a postponement date. If it is raining please bring an umbrella or just enjoy the entertainment and afternoon tea in the marquee.

The Bellyful Ladies' Garden Party is on April 18, from 1 till 4pm at Fountain Gardens, 170 Plummers Point Road, Tauranga. Tickets are $25 by phoning 0800 289 849 or by visiting Creative Tauranga on Willow Street.

- If you, or a family you know, would benefit from Bellyful's services, check out www.bellyful.org.nz, email karen.watts@bellyful.org.nz or phone 0508 BELLYFUL.