I joined the students for their learning day at Glenelgin – a wonderful plot gifted for the schools use where there are streams, an outdoor classroom and native plantings. The children collected data on the stream velocity and clarity and looked for macro-invertebrates finding water worms, mayfly and snails. I led a native plant activity with the students learning the names of plants (common, Te Reo and scientific names) and interesting things about the plants growing at their place before planting some more native trees. We found shield bugs and case moth cases. A great day out in nature learning!
Check out case moths in our “Who did that?” Learning Resource at School Activities • Southland Community Nursery
Bronwyn
Posted: 27 September 2021
We were very privileged to host Jo to come down again from Christchurch and run a lino print workshop at the weekend. Covid changed the rules somewhat and we had to restrict numbers, scan in, distance and wear masks when in close proximity and shared food was not on the menu!
However, as an observer, the works people created and the fun and inspiration they derived from the workshop was clear to see. One of the participants Linda has written her account of the weekend below.
If you are unfamiliar with Jo’s work take a look at https://joogier.co.nz/artwork/ and you will see how much we value Jo coming and sharing her passion, talent and skill with such generosity. Thanks Jo. Chris
Making Our Mark
The Southland Community Nursery hosted a Jo Oger Lino Print Workshop on 18th and 19th September 2021.
Jo demonstrates “hands on” with ease and humour, along with much talent and experience. Her passion for NZ conservation and stories is reflected in the stunning artworks she produces. Our class was so quiet at times, completely immersed in developing our own printing style, alongside invaluable tips from our treasured tutor to record and utilise.
There were a number of teachers attending, keen to pass on newly learned skills to a new learning environment, they and their students are needing to adapt to. Others, like myself, have strong connections to our local environments and want to improve and widen how we reflect those. Prints produced wonderfully depicted leaves, flowers, seeds, birds, landscapes and every one of us felt inspired and impressed, even a little envious!
We all look at nature, but our way of recording our experience is unique, as was every print produced (without needing expensive printing equipment). We are so grateful to Chris for organising this event, given current uncertainties and restrictions. Just goes to prove that enthusiasm, commitment and a positive attitude takes us to better places than we could ever have imagined.
Linda
Posted: 21 September 2021
The Apple Grafting workshop due for Wednesday 15 September has been cancelled for this year. The Jo Ogier workshop is on, with reduced numbers and Nursery Fridays are on with restricted numbers and prior bookings required.
If the covid level 2 continues we might look at additional times for volunteers as the Nursery work will increase through spring. If you want to help out in small groups of 2-3 contact me and I will see what might work on days which may be different to Fridays.
At Level 2 we are open by arrangement for plant sales – email Chris to arrange a time.
For those who are interested in the quizzes at last post I will post the answers next week, so you still have a week to hone your fungi and foraging ID skills!!
Many events have been cancelled lately but one that is going ahead tomorrow night (Tuesday 14 September) is an illustrated talk on working in Antarctica by Becky Goodsell – it will be in Hansen Hall at SIT so we can distance and starts at 7.30pm. Its free and all welcome
Spring is out there somewhere! A few images recently taken. If you are bush walking look out spider orchids (leaves about the size of a 10c coin and flat to the ground) and native clematis coming into flower soon and birds nesting (herons are nesting in our bush at the moment).
regards
Chris
Posted: 13 September 2021
Hi everyone
Hope you are all well in your bubbles. As documented in the previous article we will open the nursery to volunteers at Level 2 but with restrictions – i.e all visits by arrangement and limited to 10 people. Likewise workshops that are planned can go ahead but with the same restrictions. We have an Apple Grafting workshop booked for 15 September but as of now we don’t have any bookings so if you would like to attend let me know and I can put you down on the list. For that workshop and the Jo Ogier Art workshop on 18 September we will make a decision when the next Covid Level announcement is made next Tuesday. For schools the same rules will apply, but Bronwyn will be available to go into schools if they allow that at Level 2 - https://www.southlandcommunitynursery.org.nz/news-and-events/the-community-nursery-and-covid-levels-august-2021/
At Level 3 and 2 we can sell plants contactless, so if you are interested in buying plants send me an email and we can go from there. Payment will need to be by internet banking and pick up at the gate.
Its been very busy here at the Nursery and on our property, in our bubble of two! Spring has sprung and with the brilliant weather we have been having if feels like there is no time to lose. Veggie seeds have been sown, native seedlings are germinating and cuttings are being tended, as is the Nursery. On our wider property lots of major work is being done – major pruning (adding to that Covid lockdown ambient noise, the chainsaw!), weeding and construction! – see photos on website.
A couple of quizzes in the photos below to keep you occupied. Before lockdown I took photos of lots of fungi local to Otatara – see if you can name them. On the foraging front – can you name all the salad species I picked yesterday. A prize of 20 free plants to whoever gets the most answers to both quizzes.
Also, spending so much time outside I have been observing nature more closely and couldn’t resist putting up this good (for me) photo of a fernbird at our pond early morning this week.
Stay safe
regards
Chris
Posted: 2 September 2021
Hi all
At Levels 4 and 3 the Community Nursery is closed to all visitors
At level 2 the Southland Community Nursery is closed to large groups of visitors (including schools). We will open for small groups of 10 - please book below. While the education centre is closed, our educator can come and visit you and your class at school, if your school requirements allow this. Contact tracing, physical distancing rules, hand hygiene etc will be followed. To ensure group size restrictions are met please use the emails below for any proposed visits, plant purchases (contactless) or workshops.
At level 1 the Southland Community Nursery is open to all visitors (Friday volunteer mornings and school visits).
Please follow this process prior to your visit to the Southland Community Nursery (at alert levels 1 and 2):
- All visitors to the Nursery by prior arrangement only please. Email Chris at [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
- For schools wanting to visit, arrange with Bronwyn at [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
- Please stay away if unwell, or if you have been unwell in the last 48 hours prior to the nursery visit.
- Upon arrival, please use hand sanitiser provided
- A QR code is displayed – please use the contact tracer app. Or alternatively sign in and out of the nursery session – using the sign in sheet in doorway of education centre. Please include your name, contact phone number and email address. For schools visiting, one contact person shall sign in and keep attendance records of students.
- Hand washing facilities are to be used. Remember to wash your hands for 2 minutes before you eat, or use the hand sanitiser provided.
- Bring your own gloves (if possible), food and drink, including a cup or mug
- Please advise us if you become unwell after visiting the nursery.
During the periods of lockdown we will be posting activities you can do at home on the website and facebook page - watch this space!
Thank you
Chris and Bronwyn and the Nursery team
Posted: 26 August 2021
