2017 August Planting Day
Our first planting day went stunningly well, despite the threat of heavy rain and wind. 40 people showed up from all over North Shore, all keen on planting and weeding.
For the first hour we removed weeds from the areas we were to be planting in (including tradescantia/wandering Jew, nasturtium, and young moth plant seedlings), collecting 4 huge weed bags full and revealing new areas that hadn't previously been considered for planting. As well as this, there were a few amazing volunteers that set about removing a full-grown fruit salad tree, and another volunteer that single-handedly put a stop to huge amounts of elaeagnus (an invasive vine).
For the remaining time we set about planting 205 natives spread across three main, but small, areas. These plants included, but were not limited to; 5 pōhutakawa; 30 karamū; 20 tī kōuka (cabbage trees); 5 ponga; and 5 māhoe. For 40 people, in just over an hour (especially in such conditions), this was quite a challenge, especially as some of our volunteers were already a bit tired from weeding and many quite young. We fell short by approximately 50 plants, yet the areas we'd planted were already looking exponentially better with few weeds and immature natives everywhere.
On another note, it was very disappointing to find that some areas were already beginning to used again for dumping general household rubbish. Hopefully with continued effort we'll be able to stop the reserve from reverting back to how it was before the clean-up.
As always, thank you to Takapuna-Devonport Guides for the use of the hall and facilities, and for the enthusiastic workers, including Devonport and Hauraki Guides and Hauraki Cubs, including leaders and parents. One cub, Toby, was incredibly diligent as he volunteered to stay a couple hours longer, not leaving until 2:30, and helped me plant 40 of the remaining trees. Without him, it is quite likely that they would not have been planted for quite some time.
Thank you to my chickens who have agreed to do their part by eating the tradescantia.
Thank you to Sue, Jo, and Russ, as without them we wouldn't have had such a nice sausage sizzle.
Thank you to Anna Baine (Auckland Council Community Ranger) for supplying the food for our sausage sizzle, and the support and encouragement she has given.
A huge thank you to Kaipatiki Project for donating the plants, and lending spades and gloves - particularly Derek Craig for all of his help and advice, and Anna Halliwell for her support.
And finally, thank you to everyone who participated! Without you, this day wouldn't have been anywhere near as fantastic
