Sponge Garden Visit Freemans Bay

Mark van Kaarthoven - Environmentalist, Sponge Garden expert

Mark van Kaathoven is a self-confessed environmentalist and passionate advocate for sustainable gardening. Mark has created an effective, inexpensive gardening method focusing on regenerating public and private spaces by using green waste to restore ecosystems and create healthy garden environments. This approach is at the heart of his gardening method: Growing Resilience.

Mark has invited us to visit his own garden 'The Urban Jungle' a garden recognised by the New Zealand Gardens Trust and the much acclaimed 'berm gardens' outside his house and garden, recently awarded 'protected planted berm status' by Auckland Council - a first for berms in Auckland. In a recent Stuff article "this means the vegetation on these berms is now recognised and maintained as an asset by Auckland Council." An absolute victory and one Mark says 'has only taken 31 years'.

This visit is limited to 25 guests.

Sponge garden visit & talk

Saturday 18th April, 2026.

10:00am - 12:00pm.

$15 GDSNZ members

$35 non-members

Includes morning tea

Address details to be provided upon ticket purchase.

No dogs or children under 12 allowed.

Numbers capped at 25. Registration essential by midnight Wednesday 15th April.

CPD points for GDSNZ accredited members.

Note - this event will happen rain or shine. Please wear footgear with good tread as the paths can be slippery in wet weather. Due to the small size of the property, we must limit groups to 25 and we cannot accommodate dogs or children for the same reason. Exact address details provided upon ticket purchase/registration.