Happenings in May 2025
Although Brian and I were away much of May the Nursery Vollies lead by Linda and Ray, did a great job continuing the regular Volunteer Fridays. Work being done was continued seed cleaning, weeding, potting into small pots and sending plants out of the Nursery. One major planting project that occurred while we were away was the Kowhai Reach planting, where we have been supplying plants for the last few years. Its always great to see plants we have grown go into the ground on good projects and the Limehills School students, under the guidance of QEII Rep Jesse Bythell, did a great job by all accounts – link to article here https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360682104/schoolchildren-plant-450-trees-kowhai-reach
As well as a lot of plants going out to projects we are also into planting right here. Just prior to going away we had a new pond excavated and have begun planting already – especially on the island, before the pond started filling with water! A big thanks to Kata who helped me plant the island, before the water seeped in and to Derek who planted the Carex secta while we were away and thanks to Jason for the drone photo!
Highlights of our trip away were meeting some awesome QEII Covenant holders, and their interesting properties and meeting the Reps who are supporting them, seeing new landscapes and plants, catching up with lots of friends along the way and some excellent fungi observations including the gorgeous sky blue Entoloma! (see pics).
For the remainder of May at the Nursery we have encountered some interesting weather, including last Fridays hail storms and wind! But despite the weather hardy volunteers came, including new people and we also did some apple pressing with Bronwyn and Russels apple press. The next few weeks will involve seed sowing and propagation for cuttings. We will close for winter on Friday 27th June and on that day will draw the Jo Ogier Kaka painting raffle (there is still time for tickets!).
Finally, someone left this nice black jacket at the Nursery and we would like to reunite it with its owner!
Chris
Posted: 1 June 2025