It looks as though we will have a sunny day at last for our next planting session, this Sunday morning, July 11th. 9-noon. Follow the flags and enjoy a BBQ at the end.
Progress has been good with over 1100 now planted. Last time we were helped enormously by pre-dug holes. Many thanks to Peter Davis, Theo Barsanti and Jason Bohmer, and to QE Park for lending the machines. They hope to do this before each session. By Sunday morning the holes were full of water and it was a very soggy session. Sally won the most interesting gumboot competition, and Julie the muddiest trousers one. Unfortunately it has been too wet to do the animal repellent spray.
This next session we will aim to complete the northern block as well as doing some firming of those previously planted as, due to the high water level last time, the soil is a bit loose round some of the plants. We will also apply carpet squares to suppress weeds and give a mulch effect.
The Titoki Nursery Trust in Leinster Ave have donated some plants. They will plant them as part of their training though the weather has delayed their plans. In return, they take our empty pots and bags and re-use them.
Our Trust is delighted to have Dawn Bush as volunteer Minutes Secretary many thanks Dawn.
Many thanks to the following volunteers who braved a very wet morning: Julie Midgley, Sally Heppenstall, Jeff Watts, Theo Barsanti, Peter Davis, Ruby Durrant-Bush, Jean McCallan, Laura van Peer with Cory, Jan Nisbett, Julie Lines, June Rowland, Dawn Bush, John Rowland, Ann Evans. Also to Tony and Helen Griffiths who’ve been planting at other times.
The World Wildlife Fund-New Zealand Habitat Protection Fund has granted $20,000 to the Whareroa Guardians Community Trust to commence the riparian restoration of the Ti Kouka Stream for fencing and plants. This is very exciting and will give us work for next year! We are grateful to WWF-NZ for this grant.
Future Dates: Saturday July 24th and Sunday August 8th.
