Over the last month Nursery Volunteer Fridays have been busy, getting plants out of the Nursery for planting. The largest was the Bushy Point project where 1000 plants were loaded up on a Nursery Friday by volunteers and then planted by another hundred volunteers on Sunday 10 September – read all about it at https://www.otataralandcare.org.nz/news-events/
Other orders also went out so we are now filling the empty spaces with newly potted plants. Its also an exciting time for seedlings emerging in the trays and soon pricking out of seedlings will begin. If you want to join our thriving team of 10-20 volunteers on a Friday and learn about growing native plants, and much more come along from 9am to noon on a Friday morning.
ART!!
I am pleased to announce that Jo Ogier is coming down for another 2 day workshop – on the weekend of 14/15 October 23 – Workshop details here. It will be limited numbers and first come first served but please don’t pay until I have confirmed your place. We will also have a “reserves” list in case anyone pulls out. Please register your interest by emailing me at
Hope to see you all on our opening day. There will be lots to do!
During our closed period we have not been idle – apart from a holiday, we have been busy around the property – pruning apple trees, weeding and preparing veggie beds, watering cuttings. Brian and I have also been busy visiting properties and giving advice on restoration. At the Community Nursery we also hosted Jordan and SIT first year environmental students recently at the Nursery and Bushy Point. Also busy with planting days – Te Rere Penguin Reserve last weekend and Bushy Point coming up on Sunday 10 September where 1000 plants will be moving from the Nursery into the ground – no need to book just come along and help – details at https://www.otataralandcare.org.nz/
There is also a new display at the Community Gallery, Owaka Museum – “Humans in the Catlins – The Environmental Impact” – worth a look if youre in the Catlins from 2-29 September.
Friday 7th July will be the last Nursery session before closing for winter.
The last month has been busy with seed cleaning and sowing and for the last couple of weeks propagating plants from cuttings. Also, various nursery fix-up jobs, weeding and building a bookcase for the Nature Centre. Brian and I have also taken the opportunity to visit lots of properties (of folks who come to the Nursery) in the last month to give advice on planting and restoration. It’s also been the start of plantings – like Barry Smiths 75th anniversary (no he’s not that old!) of the Southland Tramping Club with a planting at the Oreti Totara Dune Forest on 3rd dune, next is Te Rere Penguin Reserve planting on 19 August and then Bushy Point annual planting on Sunday 10 September. If you are interested in any of these planting events email Chris for more details.
This Friday (7 July) will be a chance to catch up before going into winter hibernation. Bring your best baking!!
The Community Nursery will be open for volunteers each Friday morning until and including Friday 7 July 23. Sowing seeds and propagating plants from cuttings will be the main activities as well as cleaning up the Nursery for winter. On Friday 30 June there will be a Cuttings workshop for new and experienced people.
