The following story has been submitted by Peter Buchanan - many thanks Peter;
We had a great turnout of 19 St Johns’ members & friends on a fine July morning for last Saturday’s annual tree planting at Apirana Reserve. Ken, Nanda, and Roger gave us our briefing and planting instructions, and our job was made especially easy with holes already augered in advance, and plants placed adjacent to their destined locations. We managed to plant about 500 healthy seedlings in just over an hour, each surrounded by a ‘doughnut’ of mulch for protection through future summer droughts – in contrast to the squelchy conditions currently underfoot.
If we needed any encouragement, in addition to the pleasure of working together, we had only to look across to our plantings a year ago – to see the significant growth in only 12 months. It was also satisfying to see others contributing to the planting including family and friends of the organising trio, representatives from Auckland Council (re. rubbish removal) and KiwiRail (re. H&S assessment of soil), plus representatives from the Tamaki/Maungakiekie and Ōrakei Local Boards. We were also rewarded with on-site morning tea, complete with home-cooked treats, and KitKats kindly donated by Isabella.
This planting required major investment of time over preceding months by Ken, Nanda, and Roger – along with our contribution of mulch spreading. Recent challenges included inclement weather ahead of the day, the plant delivery truck having an accident en route, and uncertainty whether the KiwiRail soil testing would be completed in time.
This hands-on community restoration project is going from strength to strength - with heaps of potential to extend further up the valley to encompass much more of Apirana Reserve.
Thanks to all involved.
Cheers
Peter
Cheers
Peter
