COMMUNITY GARDEN NOTES
Six weeks have passed since the last notes and, as with all gardens in Havelock, we are preparing for Winter. The last of the runner beans were picked two weeks ago, the last red onion dug and broccoli and cabbages have taken the place of the summer vegetables. We are anxiously waiting to see if the Broad beans will sprout or if they have been rotted by the spell of wet weather we have been having.
A planting of lettuces have gone straight to seed- thank goodness for Diana McMillan coming to the rescue with 18 lettuce plants to replace them. Diana is not the only visitor we have enjoyed recently. People have been popping in to see how the garden is progressing and several have offered assistance, advice or offered tools. Of course this is what we hoped the garden would be all about. Members of the Marlborough Community Hub have asked to visit next week and we are expecting a visit from members of the Blenheim Community Garden shortly.
If you are in Inglis Street, we would be delighted to see you, and if you are willing to spare us an hour in the garden, you would be most welcome.
Looking back since our beginnings since September last year, our top crops so far have been the carrots ( we are still picking from those sowed way back then) and the pumpkins which were grown on a mound of soil which is intended for gardens 3 and 4. due to be built over the winter months.
We intend to have the recreational area cleaned up over winter and want to have a community barbecue to celebrate our first year in early spring.
The laying of carpet with crushed mussel shell over it will also be completed by then. Thanks to Lyne and Bill who donated carpet to us after our last notes were published. We could use more, if anyone has old carpet that they intend to dump.
Cathy Ruffell the Elder Care Worker has taken over the distribution of vegetables to those in need. If you know of someone who could do with a hand, please contact Ian Cameron 574 2558 or let the volunteers in the Pelorus Health Trust shop know.
Jennie Johnson from Johnson’s Barge Service has offered us free firewood for those in need. Not only that, but she has offered to have it delivered and stacked for those unable to do so. We were so delighted to accept this offer and Cathy is looking after this
The pre-school mussel floats are now completely planted and look very good, with the healthy plants growing vigorously. We were also very grateful for the four year six students who gave us a hand in the garden last term and did a very good job of weeding, watering with the diluted worm juice and planting. Thanks Kupe, Riki, Izzy and Ella.
Finally, we are very pleased to have been invited by the Pelorus Community Hub to be part of their four “Winter season” cooking classes which they are intending to hold in July at the Town Hall. Our efforts will be increased to make sure the vegetables are ready for the soups, stews, curries and other dishes that they will be giving to the participants to use
The Community Garden is an initiative of the local Anglican Church and the Pelorus Area Health Trust
Ian Cameron10 May 2011