Help plant Nelson’s hanging flower baskets

We’re seeking passionate floral enthusiasts to help us plant the vibrant hanging baskets that brighten our city centre each summer. If you love flowers, want to learn new skills and have time to volunteer, we’d love to have you on board!

Around 700 baskets will be planted in total and installed in early December. 

This year we’re trying something new by having two sessions of planting one month apart. The plantings will take place at the Nelmac Nursery on Atawhai Drive next to Whakatū Marae and Miyazu Japanese Gardens. 

The 90-minute sessions will see you planting petunias, impatiens and geraniums. Nursery staff will be on-hand to help and advise, if needed. 

Past volunteers have said they really enjoyed the planting process, and it’s a good skill to learn, as you can then go home and create your own hanging baskets. 

The session times available are as follows: 

First sessions 

Monday 23rd September 9.00am to 11.30am and 1.00pm to 3.30pm 

Tuesday 24th September 9.00am to 11.30am and 1.00pm to 3.30pm 

Second sessions 

Monday 21st October 9.00am to 11.30am and 1.00pm to 3.30pm  

Tuesday 22nd October 9.00am to 11.30am and 1.00pm to 3.30pm 

All you need to bring is your own gloves, sturdy footwear and a good dose of enthusiasm. 

If you would like to volunteer as a hanging basket planter, call Council Customer Services on 03 546 0200 to register.