Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Gardening tips available to all

TARANAKI gardeners will have no excuses for a sloppy plot this spring - even if it's their first foray into the world of horticulture.

A series of workshops on everything from planning a garden to pruning roses will begin this weekend.

New Plymouth District Council will run the rose- pruning demonstrations at Hempton Rose Garden, New Plymouth and Donaldson Rose Garden, Waitara.

"This is the time of year when we get around the public rose gardens to give them their winter prune and we thought the public would appreciate getting some tips from the experts that they can use in their own gardens," said council parks manager Mark Bruhn.

"We want to demystify the art of rose pruning and help people get the best out of their gardens."

For those wanting a garden for more than just beauty, the Taranaki Regional Council is running five workshops on domestic gardens starting on July 26.

Participants will learn how to plan a garden complete with compost bin, worm farm, chook run, beehive and delectables for the table.

TRC gardens manager Greg Rine said the workshops are designed to meet the growing interest in "home" gardens - an interest he says is more than just a trend.

"People are thinking more about where their food is coming from and people want to see what they can grow themselves to save money," Mr Rine said.

The hands-on workshops will be held at Hollard Gardens, where the public will learn by helping council gardeners.

They are encouraged to bring photos to help plan their own gardens.

At the end of the workshops Hollard Gardens will have a new home garden ready for the spring festival.

Rose pruning: Hempton Rose Garden, New Plymouth - Saturday, July 18 and Monday, July 20; Donaldson Rose Garden, Waitara, Saturday, July 25, all at 11am.

Home gardening: Hollard Gardens, Kaponga - Sunday, July 26, getting started; Sunday, August 9, bees in the garden; Sunday, August 30, chooks and worms; Sunday, September 13, seed sowing; Sunday, September 27, companion planting and composting, all at 2pm.

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