Torrential downpours welcomed us to the Working Bee on Sunday! But due to the magnificently free-draining and productive soil at the Sanctuary, we were still able to work and maintain the gardens and wider environs.
The crop of Peas is establishing well and will not only provide nutrient dense food in the communal garden, but will also replenish Nitrogen into the soil. Bev helps provide support structures from our recycled prunings for the peas to grow on.
Patricia weeds the onion bed.
Sarah weeds the pathways to create easy access for all of the visitors to our beautiful Sanctuary gardens. Many people walk, rest, and simply enjoy being in the gardens and we maintain the pathways to enable this.
Cathy weeds the spinach, a perennial green, that provides nutrition for many of the organisations we support.
Benedicte also helped weed the long rows of Spinach.
A healthy green crop of Spinach, positively glowing in the sunshine, in between downpours.
Marita helps with the maintenance of the pathways in the Sanctuary.
Along with Clara. The paths need constant upkeep as the self seeding flowers - as well as the weeds - try to establish there.
John (with Trevor in the background) at work.
Bill, also staking the Pea crop.
And Janet - with Bill in the background.
Even in winter, the gardens are productive and beautiful, providing a haven of biodiversity right in the heart of Auckland. A working example of organic, sustainable, urban horticulture for the entire community to experience and enjoy.
A pile of jackets collect as the work continues.
Trevor packaging up some of the crop of Jerusalem Artichokes (we have harvested over 50 kg so far this season). Even our 'bags' are recycled and bespoke!
Karine avoids a downpour in the shed. Rainfall so far for July has been 125mm.
Additional produce that is starting to come through is citrus - oranges and lemons. Clever Mother Nature providing exactly what is needed for the middle of winter.
Happy Gardening.
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