Mother Nature had the last word on the Heroic Garden weekend and it rained!
Our banners showed people the entrance to the Sanctuary Mahi whenua.
With our new signs welcoming our visitors.
There were a few brave and hardy people who arrived and we were
there to greet them. Gardeners are a resourceful lot and not
deterred too much by constant tropical downpours!
Our sign held up okay in the constant rain...
And there was just enough shelter to work with.
Our new signs about the Sanctuary, it's history and other information...
mounted on the shed wall.
Our aireal photograph of the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua and environs
And the layout of the gardens and the food forest.
These were displayed along with the information board about
the Mara Kumara and the long history of this land.
Including the original plan drawing for the gardens.
There was a lot of interest from the public in our plan for the intensification of the site that includes the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua being retained in-situ.
Carla was an excellent spokesperson on this topic.
Sarah and a guest brave the weather - at least it wasn't too windy!
Some of the plants for sale to support the Hospice appeal.
The Mara Kumara garden proved to be a big drawcard with many people very interested in the traditional garden.
Signage at the shed and at the Mara Kumara garden innformed people
about the long established care of this land.
The mara Kumara gardens looked crisp and fresh in the rain
with the wet foliage and the shell pathways.
Keni was kept busy alll day giving tours and lectures
about the Mara Kumara garden.
Our new signage further explained some elements of the Mara Kumara garden.
The Gourds were also of interest and the display proved popular.
Keni explained aspects about growing and using the Gourds.
To an appreciative audience.
Our new signs also provided information about our processes
around the Sanctuary to deal with the invasive weeds sustainably.
around the Sanctuary to deal with the invasive weeds sustainably.
Even soaking wet, the gardens still looked beautiful.
We caution taped off the Nettles to be sure that no one was
inadvertently stung - safety first at the gardens!
Many plants were named for interest and education.
The flowering Lemon Myrtle looked fabulous.
And the drooping Brugmansia (aka Detura).
The Hugelkulter had a sign too, explaining this slow, bulk composting technique.
The prickly Kei Apple tree.
As the Heroic Garden Festival is a fundraiser for the hospice, we gently blocked the many public accessways for the weekend to indicate the usual free and unimpeded public access was temporarily suspended.
The shade house that we had anticipated being very busy
with water and seating - turned out not to be needed due to the wet weather.
The gardens looked productive and bio-diverse.
David's pumkin looked substantial and impressive.
A sign explains the curved pathway in representing the DNA helix.
Beautiful flowers showing their colours even more brilliantly in the wet.
Bev chats to a visitor.
The Cook Strait Kowhai near the gardens entrance.
Clara staffing the cart welcoming people to the gardens and giving them the opportunity to sign our supporters book.
There wass also some produce for sale.
And again the No-Grainer's came along to look after not only our visitors, but the members as well with their delicious food and smoothies! Thanks Hannah and Michaela.
The Shed did good work and kept us dry, fed and focused.
Although it was dissappointing to have such wet weather for the Heroic Garden Festival weekend, we were thrilled with the support we received with our determination to retain the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua Gardens.
And we helped support the Mersy hospice trust.
Thanks to everyone who came along, got soaking wet and had a blast!
Arohanui.
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