Tree Crops Christmas Picnic in Manakau

Sunday 1st December 2024
11am - 3pm

Explore the orchard and gardens, take part in a fun quiz, find new plants at our infamous Plant Auction - all while enjoying fresh strawberries and ice cream.

About this event

Come and explore the orchard and garden areas at Kotuku Farm, home of John and Pip Martin. The dairy farm has been in the family since Johns father bought it in 1917. There is much change on the horizon as they adapt to the impact of the new Levin road development through the farm. One such change is the use of techno halters on the cows that enables them to use unfenced areas of the farm that would have previously been too hard to graze.

Pip is focused on growing food that thrives without chemical intervention or spraying - look out for the fruit trees that are traditional or local varieties (eg River Peach). She admits to not being a purist and happily mixes natives, exotics and edibles to achieve results. Fruit trees are used as a shelter belt around the vegetable gardens and herbs are used medicinally and can be found through flower gardens as well as the orchards, where they add to the health of the soil and trees. There is a wide variety of fruit and nut trees and she is always happy to share seedlings and cuttings with others. Recently she has been working with fellow tree cropper Barry, who has been making huge strides in the productivity of the vegetable gardens and providing potting compost for seeds and seedlings. He is looking forward to sharing his ideas with the group. Pip provides food for all the family and the woofers who regularly come to stay and help with the gardens.

This year we are delighted to return to having a shared lunch and would ask that you bring something savoury to share. If a shared lunch doesn't work for you please just bring something for yourself. The branch committee looks forward to providing fresh strawberries and ice cream along with refreshments.

During lunch there will be a fun quiz to play and the opportunity to win prizes.

Our annual plant auction dynamically run by Mark and Andy is an opportunity to share some of the things you have been nurturing and to find exciting new plants to add to your collection. You can purchase with cash or by bank transfer.

This is a major fundraiser for our branch so please, please bring along any surplus plants or seedlings to contribute to the auction.

Brainstorming session

We are always very keen to hear your ideas for what we can put in place for our calendar of events or other ways in which we can help with your tree crops development. It is becoming increasing difficult for our small committee to put together a full programme so rather than having the usual AGM at the lunch, we would ask that instead you come with ideas (no matter how random!) and add them to the ideas board that will be available to scribble on, all day. For example it could be a place to visit, a workshop idea, tool sharing, bulk buying or whatever you think you are missing.

What to bring:

Please bring labelled plants and seedlings or relevant garden books and tools for the auction.

In addition to a dish to be shared, you will also need to bring your own plate, cutlery, glasses and mugs. There are lots of seats but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. If it has been raining gumboots are recommended, and do remember your hat and sunblock.

and don't forget your ideas!

Programme:

11.00am Arrive and register

11.30am Welcome followed by:
introduction to gardens by Pip
demo from Barry on the vegetable garden improvements
opportunity for self guided explore (there will be a map)

12.30pm Picnic lunch and quiz

1.30pm Dessert provided by committee with quiz solutions

2.00pm Plant Auction

All day add ideas to the brainstorming board

Registration:

Please register to attend this event. Registration cost is included in your NZTCA membership but non-members are welcome to attend - only $10 per person.

Full address and parking details will be provided after registration.

Terms and Conditions:

If you are unwell, please stay home and cancel your ticket. Ticket price (if applicable) will be refunded if you are unwell.
Please feel free to wear a mask when in close proximity to others or indoors, and practice social distancing.
registration in advance is essential in case of cancellation