November has been a month for visits to the Nursery - Waverley Kindy and Makarewa PreSchool were enthusiastic helpers, with Waverley helping to make a new track to the bush as well as potting up plants and Makarewa also potting up native plants and exploring the bush tracks.
Posted: 13 November 2012
While I have been away in the UK, Linda and Ray have been keeping the Nursery running with the help of regular volunteers.
Seeds have been sown, cuttings taken and potting up and weeding have been regular activities over winter.
Meanwhile, in the UK we had the wettest June and August since records began and much flooding! I did manage to catch up with Maggie and Stephen though and we spent a gorgeous day at Tatton Park, one of the many National Trust properties in the north west of England. The walled vegetable garden and sculpture exhibition were features of this famous place - www.tattonpark.org.uk
National Trust properties all over England are embracing a concept of “Cotton-wool kids or free-range children”
Evidence of a long-term and dramatic decline in children’s relationship with the outdoors is ‘overwhelming’ and urgent action is needed to bridge this growing gap before it’s too late, according our new report published today.
In his Natural Childhood report naturalist, author and TV producer Stephen Moss charts years of academic research and a steady stream of surveys on the subject, highlighting how a generation of children is finally losing touch with the natural world.
The report outlines a clear need to tackle the rise of ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’, a term coined by the US based writer Richard Louv, to describe a growing dislocation between children and nature. Follow the link: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/what-we-do/news/view-page/item788564
Most Trust properties were encouraging lots of children’s outdoor activities – “50 things to do before you are 11 ¾ ‘s” see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/what-we-do/news/view-page/item804841
Posted: 2 October 2012
September 2012 – Seed Time!
Seeds are popping up in most of the seed trays and cuttings are making roots and as the weather warms up weeds are growing ! It is one of the busiest times in the nursery. Hopefully over the winter period you will have thought about the types of plants and numbers you want for your property and will have some ideas to come to the nursery with. We will have all the stock you need and are happy to give advice freely. For your help in the nursery you can take away native plants for free to start or continue your restoration project – so come and make use of this community resource.
The Invercargill City Council have, this month, granted our resource consent for building an Education Centre so all the plant sales last season will be put to good use – watch this space!
Posted: 2 October 2012
Most people need shelter in Southland. Why not consider native trees and shrubs that also attract bees - there are many to choose from - koromiko, cabbage tree, wineberry, lemonwood, kowhai, rare plants like Olearia hectorii and lots more!
Posted: 2 October 2012
On the first day of winter its a good time to think about next season. At the nursery we have collected lots os seed, prepared and cleaned it and are now sowing Seeds. Also in June and July are the best times to take native plant cuttings Cuttings. Come along to the nursery Friday mornings to learn what to do.
Last week was Maggies last nursery day for a year. Maggie and Stephen are off on an exciting adventure - to UK and Greece and then to come back and spend a year travelling around NZ in a converted bus. I would like to thank Maggie for 12 years of voluntary effort at the nursery and wish her and Stephen an awesome trip. We will of course also miss Maggies culinary delights at the nursery, but in true Maggie style she has been baking flat out and we have a few treats in the freezer to bring out as reminders!
Posted: 1 June 2012