Our last working bee was another great day of companionship and achievement at the Sanctuary gardens. The pile of fresh bamboo was processed into stakes and building material and the first of the winter brassica crops were planted out. General work around the gardens was also completed. Sarah led the troupe this time, as Bev and Trevor were away on a well-deserved break.
- The working bee began with an 'alternative techniques' composting workshop by Richard Main (separate blog to follow on this). Much discussion followed on afterwards, including;
- the intensification of the Unitec site
- the green corridor along the river
- how the Sanctuary gardens have some of the best soil in the world, 2.5-metre deep (in places) volcanic loam.
- how the opportunity for growing food locally will be lost if the garden is built on
- how gardens enhance local property values
- Ngati Whatua seeks to build intensively to around 16.5-metre high in the area
- how wastewater needs to be treated locally
- that ideally, landscape architects would be included in the initial planning
- design from the water up.
- the preference for a light rail network.
- how the Sanctuary garden is common land and a place of wellbeing - a place of healing for both Maori and Pakeha.
- several organisations work closely in the area including the Friends of Oakley Creek and the Mt. Albert residents association.
Following are some photos from the working bee.
Richard Main and Pete discussing composting.
The huge pile of bamboo is processed by Sarah, Nigel, Robbie and Birthe.
Clare cuts up the prepared bamboo.
Preparing the cardboard boxes; Mort, Jan, Gabriel, Ainsley and Helen.
Benedicte Jenny, Marita Abbie and Karine plant out the brassica's while Matthew looks on.
Kira and Brendan planting out with Benedicte in the background.
and Liz tends the fabulous herb garden.
Happy Gardening.
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