Green-fingered clergyman named gardener of the year

Trevor Bennett has been named New Zealand Gardener magazine's Gardener of the Year. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A retired Hamilton minister who has raised more than $50,000 for charity has been named New Zealand Gardener magazine's gardener of the year.

Trevor Bennett is described as a passionate grassroots gardener.

He has raised $52,000 for church projects through propagating cuttings and sowing seeds.

Last month alone he sold more than 1,000 vegetable and flower seedlings at the annual church fair.

His prize package is worth $10,000.

- NEWSTALK ZB