Castlecliff gardener Phil Holden says he has some great memories of his friend and mentor Chris Cresswell, who died in a cycling accident on Saturday.
One of the many projects Dr Cresswell supported was the community gardens in Matai St, Castlecliff, where Mr Holden is curator.
"I'm trying not to feel sad because that was not his message," said Mr Holden.
"He wanted to empower and enlighten people and he was always such a good, attentive listener."
Although Dr Cresswell led a busy life, he would drop by the gardens for a catch-up and he donated plants and a wood chipper to the project.
"Last time he was here, he took a photo of one of the quotes written on the wall in the sleep-out," said Mr Holden. "He really liked it and I think it was really appropriate for him."