Pot up our native plants

We have an impressive number of native plants on hand that we have raised ourselves or been given. A total of 680 over eleven varieties were re-potted into larger pots to grow on over summer. Most will be a good size to plant out next winter. The most impressive numbers are; 190 Astelias 70 of which will be a good size to plant out next winter with the remainder the following year, 126 Kahikateas and 128 Kowhai. There are also a number of seed trays at varying stages of germination that are not counted in this summary.
This was made possible by a funding grant of $350 by Trust Waikato for potting mix and plant purchase.

Mulching looking good

The mulching of the plants in the grass area is looking great and is ongoing. This will have a real benefit in keeping the weeds down and retaining moisture during the summer.

Record the sightings of Tui & Bellbird

Halo are keen to keep their records up to date. They are finding that now the Tui is becoming more common people are no longer sending in their sightings. They would like you to call 0800 800 401 or visit the halo website http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/hamiltonhalo and log in your sightings.
I thought I saw a pair of Bell Birds in the gully last month but I could not be certain.

Our Tui and Bell Birds are totally unconcerned as to whether they feed on indigenous plants or not. You might like to consider planting a STERILE form of Prunus campanulata in your garden or a banksia. Both flower before the Kowhai so are a good source of nectar for our birds.
Please do not plant them in our gully and make sure the cherry is a sterile variety. The birds scatter the seed of the fertile variety far and wide and they become a weed.

Epiphytes

We have introduced our first epiphyte to the gully,Collospermun hastatum. It needs packing out with some sphagnum moss to help it through the summer. If anyone has a couple of handfuls let us know.

Working Bee this Saturday 20th August 8.45am to 12 noon.

The monthly working Bee will meet under the walk bridge on the concrete pad which is accessible from either 56 St James Dr or 2 Grenache Pl. We have had deliveries of mulch which we will be spreading round the planted grass area to keep the spring weeds down and conserve the ground moist during the summer dry period. The mulch is very light and easy to handle. There will be lots of wheel barrows, shovels and rakes on hand. If you would like to bring your own that would be fine. The ground is not too wet so boots or gum boots should be ok.
Bring something for your morning tea.

A planting plan for next winter

We are starting to think about a planting plan for next winter. If you have anything you would like to see happen, particularly by those that live on the gully, please send through an email and we will contact you to talk through your ideas.

Before & After Photos

These photos show the before and after the removal of honey suckle under the Grey Willow canopy. This general area can be viewed by going down the steps beside the east side of the walk bridge and follow the track around to the right to the creek.

Double click on photos to enlarge.

You will be able see how the under storey is coming away now that the vines have been removed. The under storey regeneration has been assisted by additional infill planting. Next winter it is planned to further plant this area in Astelia grandis and Kahikatia.






Once the under storey is well established there will be a gradually poisoning the Grey Willows. This managed process is to help prevent a mass of weed growth that can happen when a cleared area is exposed to the sun light.