Nursery news

The plants in the nursery are looking great, and are big enough to be planted out now, but leaving it a month would be safer in terms of soil moisture.  I have had a few enquiries already for plants but won’t be taking any orders until next month.  There is definitely enough water in our farm dam to see us through.

Planting this season

Generally the same terms as last year apply –

  • if your property is within the Maungaturoto free calling area,
  • you want trees for planting alongside waterways or erosion-prone land,
  • you prepare the site yourself and make sure it is adequately fenced,
  • it is not for a resource consent purpose,
  • you come and collect them from our nursery yourself,
  • and you are a member of HarbourCare Society (annual subscription for 2020-21 year is $10)

then the plants will be free, except as follows:

In order to increase the range of wetland plant species available, the committee has decided to purchase three types of sedges from another nursery because we haven’t yet got around to growing them ourselves.  The society will be subsidising the cost of these so we will be charging 50 cents per pot or $10 per tray of 28 as appropriate.

If you want a hand with planting if you are not up to it yourself, we may be able to arrange something.  Get in touch so we can discuss it.

Community planting day coming up

Our local environmental groups are joining forces to run a local community planting and information day soon. We are looking for community help to plant the top of a local catchment area with plants for birds and erosion control. This will be followed by lunch and a bush walk and talk on pest control, waterway planting, propagating native trees and planting for birds.

Where: 104 Wearmouth Rd.

When: 9am -12.30pm, Saturday, May 15.

Morning tea and lunch provided.

Let us know if you are coming so we can work out lunch requirements. On the day you will need gloves, spades, a water bottle, sturdy shoes and a rain jacket (in the case of torrential rain we will do it the following day, Sunday May 16th). Otamatea Weed Control Group, Otamatea HarbourCare, Pest Free Peninsulas and Lions. jacqueline@rahui.co.nz

If you don’t have a decent planting spade, don’t worry – we will have a selection of about 17 to choose from.