Library gives novice gardeners a hand

October 2nd, 2015
[by David Armstrong]

Are your green fingers itching with the arrival of spring? Motueka Library has planned a full week of activities aimed at providing a range of comprehensive information to inexperienced gardeners.

The series, called Garden Talks and running over the week from October 12th to 17th, includes hands-on tuition, book references and site visits.

Topics include vegetable growing, permaculture and herbs, peonies, making flower posies and flower-themed cards and plant propagation.

October 12: Community Garden and Vegetable Growing, 10.00am - 11.00am
A great opportunity to learn about Motueka's Community Gardens - how they got started, what is grown and how it contributes to the community. Get free advice from two well known gardeners - Ron Sharp and Grant Douglas. Find out which vegetables to grow and when to plant them in your own patch. Check out our library books on vegetable growing, composting and mulching.

October 12: Permaculture and Herbs, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Explore the world of medicinal herbs and discover how to make your garden sustainable and self-sufficient. Find out about herbal medicine in a permaculture context and why it's a good idea for people to grow useful herbs in their own gardens. Get free information and advice from Lynda Hannah, and check out the amazing library books on permaculture, garden sustainability and herbs.

October 13: Floral Studio Posy Workshop, 10.00am - 12 noon
Discover the romance and elegance of vintage floristry. Become inspired and create a posy in a tea cup for Spring and possible tea parties. Get free information and tips with Lisa Martin from The Floral Studio in Motueka. Bring your own tea cup and flowers and foliage from your garden. Registrations essential. Limit of 10 spaces for workshop. Seating provided for those who just want to listen. Check out our beautiful library books on Spring gardening with annuals and perennials.

October 13: Dove River Peonies, 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Learn about a range of peony root-based products for treatment of skin ailments from Georgia of Dove River Peonies. Sample special blends of tea and infusions of peony root, which aid in relaxation, rejuvenation, and in the treatment of specific disorders. While you're there, check out the range of library books on peonies and associated topics.

October 14: Card Making Workshop, 10.00am - 12 noon
Create three beautiful, personalised cards with a flower theme. Celebrate Spring and enjoy our special workshop. Get advice and tips with Joan Taylor, a card making guru. Materials supplied. Registrations are essential. Pre-payment ($15) is required to secure a place. Limit of 8 spaces. Check out our library books on card making and associated crafts.

October 14: Propagating Plants, 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Find out all about plant propagation in this informative workshop. From optimum growing tips to harvesting and re-potting your seedlings, practical advice will be offered in this informative talk and workshop with experienced gardeners. Get free information with Darlene Parkes from The Plant Barn Propagators. Check out the abundant supply of library books on propagation and associated garden topics. Registrations essential. Limit of 10 spaces for workshop, seating provided for those who just want to listen.

October 15: Gardens of the World, 10.00am - 11.00am
Travel the globe with our talk about the award winning Gardens of the World in Hope. Discover how the gardens started, which countries are represented and which plants are grown. Get free information with Francis Day, the current owner of the Gardens of the World. Check out the amazing library books about different gardens around the world and associated garden topics.

October 16: Bonsai and Japanese Gardens, 11.00am - 12 noon Come and listen to a talk about the Japanese garden and bonsai at Riverside Café. Che Vincent, the creator of the gardens, will share his recent experiences in a Japanese bonsai nursery, and his knowledge of bonsai culture. Check out our beautiful library books on bonsai and Japanese gardens.

October 16th: Miniature Gardens Workshop for children, 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Come along after school and create a tiny garden. It might be a fairy garden or one for dinosaurs, or another theme. Materials provided. Registrations and pre-payment are essential. Limit of 20 spaces. $2 per ticket.

October 17: Tasman Village Cottage Garden Visit, from 2.00pm
The Garden Talks series concludes with a visit to the exquisite Tasman Village Cottage Garden. Maria has invited interested people to visit this beautiful garden, filled with roses, peonies, lavender, fruit trees, vegetable gardens and abundant bird life. Register at Motueka Library to visit the Tasman Village Cottage Garden.

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