Planting for Tomorrow.

June 18^th and despite the rather cloudy day and the threat of light misty rain 35 Martinborough residents turned out to transform the corner of Hinakura and Todd’s Rd behind the fence on the golf course.

When the pine trees were removed last year, the bare patch was obvious.  Now thanks to Jane Lenting, and the South Wairarapa Biodiversity group, neighbours from Weld St, Book Club members, Golf Club members, Council and Business Association members planting began.

The planting day was sponsored by the Greater Wellington Regional Council and the landowner is the South Wairarapa District Council.

Starting at 9.30 holes were dug.  Jane gave clear instructions on how to plant; the size of the holes, the sprinkling of a half teaspoon of crystals to retain water during dry periods, the placing and securing of the woollen weed protectors, the addition of compost, the placing of plastic sleeves over the plant to limit damage from hares and wind. Finally mulch was placed around the base of the trees.

All species planted are native to the Wairarapa; Coprosmas, Plagianthus, Flax, Pittosporum, Lancewood, Kowhai, White Mairi, Matipo and Muehlenbeckia.

At 11.00am a growing swell of chatter and excitement emanated from Todds Road and suddenly 50 children from Martinborough School swarmed onto the grass.   Gumbooted, and clad in rain gear, with shovels and trowels in hand they were more than ready to start. Teachers, Mums and Dads were there as support crew.

Jane showed them all the correct procedure for planting and away they went digging the holes, sprinkling the water retention crystals, adding the compost and carefully planting their plants. 

By 12.00 pm 330 plants were safely in the ground.  Tantalising smells indicated that the sausages were ready. The borrowed BBQ came from courtesy of P and K, Mitre 10.  There was no hesitation. An ample reward for their hard work. 

What is so heartening is to hear children say they will definitely be coming back to see how their trees have grown. What could be better than that?

Lyle Griffiths