Edible show is a treat

Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby player Gareth Evans with Lucian and Braxton Roebuck from Napier supporting The Child Cancer Foundation at the weekend's Bostock New Zealand Edible Garden Show. Photo / Duncan Brown

The Bostock New Zealand's Edible Garden Show was a feast for the senses.

The largest event of its kind in New Zealand it drew record crowds over the weekend.

Founded to celebrate all elements of the edible garden from ground to table it drew everyone from seasoned gardeners to those looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle, with a mix of entertainment and educational opportunities including workshops, presentations, competitions and the opportunity to mingle with experts.

Hosted in the Waikoko Gardens at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay by the Hawke's Bay A&P Society and backed by Bostock New Zealand this year's show formula proved a winner.

"The weather and the crowds came out - it was a busy, vibrant, lovely community event - and a speaker series in the Great Things Grow Here tent went really well, particularly Ruud Kleinpaste who has a unique style of engaging the kids," A&P Society general manager Brent Linn said.

Trade exhibitors were "pleased" with turnover, which was especially good yesterday when the sun was shining.

Organisers estimate a crowd of about 8000 - up to 50 per cent more than in 2014.

Mr Kleinpaste aka the Bug Man is a keen ambassador and one of four familiar faces who joined child cancer survivors to make a portable pallet garden on Saturday. Magpies players Zac Guildford, Gareth Evans and Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin also took part.

Finished gardens were auctioned off yesterday afternoon and with proceeds from the sales and donations collected over the weekend up to $1500 was raised for the Child Cancer Foundation.