Railway R`op`u
Tena Koe
We are a group branched from or an offshoot from the Bell's Track working group involved in restoring our native forests as we worked on Bell's track around Awarua Street station and the reserve in Awarua Street. As coordinator for the last 20 years decided best to split it into 3 groups. Tony Cook will run Bell's Track and Matthew the reserve between 72 and 94 Awarua Street.
We have decided to call our group Railway R`op`u (te reo for group) our aim is to have the Johnsonville line a native plant corridor and people can buy day passes and be given a map showing the walks and cafes at each station.
At the moment we meet every Tuesday morning 11 am at Awarua Street Station but now need more help. Yes you can join us on Tuesdays or adopt a spot or look after a particular species of plant, The attached photos show what we have achieved in 14 years but as our area includes Cummings Park and railway embankment there is plenty to do.
An example of how you can help is we planted 12 Nikau palms and they are now getting overwhelmed by weeds so to care for them would be a real help. Once we get a canopy then that represses the weeds but this can take 4 to 6 years.
I cannot stress enough the importance of our forests in remediëring the damage we have done .
For those interested in knowing more I do a tour at Zealandia every Thursday at 11am talking about our manu (birds) and reforestation.
Nga Mihi nui.
Des Smith
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Seeking Summer Pocket Money
Are you planning to go away over the holidays?
After doing really well for the last couple of summers and absolutely loving it, our enthusiastic 13-year-old is once again offering her services for pet and plant care over the coming summer.
Over the last few summers, she has managed to earn enough to buy herself a cake mixer, a Fitbit, roller skates, clothes, an assortment of fun items, endless packets of Mentos, and even funded all her spending money for an overseas trip, with enough left over to last her through the year. 😊 While she isn't sure what next year will bring, she is eager to save up a few dollars to make the most of whatever opportunities come her way.
She's keen to take care of small pets and birds, water pot plants and gardens, walk friendly dogs, and more. She is available immediately and throughout the summer until the end of January. Please consider her if you're planning to be away for a few days or a few weeks.
Rates are negotiable, and references are available from happy customers, several of whom have kept her on for weekend work throughout the year.
As always, she will be fully supervised! 😊 Text me at 0226206258 to arrange an introductory visit. 😊
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.