Community Nursery News November 2026
Kia ora
After three weeks away, Chris and Brian are back to resume the Nursery. Lots of work has been done by volunteers over that period, under Linda’s watch. Thanks Linda and everyone who has kept the place ticking over while we were away.
This Friday – 6th November 20226, we will be farewelling Eleanor, one of our most regular and lovely volunteers over many years. Eleanor and Andrew are moving to Cambridge and we wish them well and thank them for all the community group work they have been involved in throughout Southland. Please come along on Friday morning with your best baking to farewell them and give them a good Southland send-off for their new ventures.
Despite the changeable weather spring has sprung and lots of plants are responding – are either flowering, have flowered and are even seeding – which is a bit scary! Some photos below of what’s happening here and away. We are waiting for the glorious Olearia (or Shawia as it has been renamed) fragrantissima to come into flower with its deliciously scented flowers.
Whilst away, we have been attending a few botanical events – in Wellington, the 100th anniversary of the Otara Wiltons Bush Trust. Otari is still the only entirely native plant garden in the Country and we joined Chair Carol West (who many of you will know) along with the Governor General, Mayor, other dignitaries and supporters for an impressive event. We then joined the NZ Plant Conservation Network Conference for 3 days of botanical workshops, talks and field trips. We were lucky to get to Mana Island with ex-Southlanders Eric and Sandy Edwards (not only a botanical trip!) and lately have spent a week around Alexandra on the Otago Rail Trail surveying for rare plants.
Now back to the Nursery and garden and other local conservation projects – see you Friday. Even if you don’t usually come to the Nursery, but you know Eleanor, come along and enjoy giving her and Andrew a great Southland send-off.
Ngā mihi
Chris and Brian
Posted: 3 November 2026