Market Season

As the days lengthen and the sun strengthens seed sowing has started with a vengeance as has potting up rooted cuttings and replacing more cuttings into the cutting beds. Also getting plants sorted and labelled ready to do the first markets of the season.

The first being the Nelson Home and Garden Show at the end of September an event we have been doing for a number of years now. It’s a huge effort to get there as it runs for 3 days, we are outside and exposed to the elements during this time. Right in the middle of the equinox winds and we have seen some storms go though over the years. At least we are on hard ground now at Saxton Stadium making it easier for patrons to access.

At around the same time is 3 Garden Club events, to which I am giving a presentation or attending their show, Murchison, Mapua and Stoke Garden Clubs. There is not much breathing space around this time of year but in this business that is when you have to do it. I always enjoy heading out and meeting all the wonderful gardeners and chatting plants. There are two or three other events and the biggest of the year is Garden Marlborough which we have also been supporting for a good number of years. Cancelled last year because of covid, and the 2 previous years it has rained, and did it rain, particularly the last one we attended. The beautiful green park we set up on was a sea of mud at the end of the day and we were mud up to the armpits as well, but in saying that we had the most successful Garden Marlborough fete ever. Going to show the rain does not deter gardeners getting out sourcing the special plants for their gardens. In saying that, it would be nice to get a fine one in Marlborough this year and I am sure the organisers will appreciate it too, they put in so much effort to bring this special event to their region. Garden Marlborough runs from 3 – 6 November 2022 and the Garden Fete where you can shop ‘til you drop is on Sunday 6th November situated on Churchill Glade at Pollard Park. Gardeners flock from all over the country to attend this premier weekend in Marlborough.

Must get on with seed sowing today, a lot in special imported seed has arrived and needs to be sown, some I pop on the heat pad others not, they are fine with the temperatures we are getting at present. I usually sow all my seeds in individual pots in small quantities – once again room is the issue for storing potted plants. It’s also good to be rotating a different selection at all times.

On a wander round the garden early this morning the highlight on this overcast day was to find the first flowers are out on my Cantua buxifolia, I have 2 colours of these, the hot pink sometimes sold here as “hot pants” and also” golden Inca” which is bicoloured cream and gold. Originating from South America, it is the national flower of Peru commonly called the sacred flower of the Incas. They are, in their native habitat pollinated by humming birds; here I have the bellbirds hanging on the flowers getting the nectar however they do not appear to set seed in NZ. An evergreen shrub that makes arching stems, holding clusters of the beautiful tubular flowers that have a flared mouth.

Just the best time of the year – Happy gardening
Anne