Waitati Open Orchards

By Jason Ross

Waitati Open Orchards is a group of keen folk on a mission to plant fruit trees in public spaces around Waitati for all to enjoy.

What an exciting season for fruit, the black currants and gooseberries have been prolific. We had  'Wilson's Early' plums at home the first two weeks of January and they were the biggest and tastiest I have experienced them. 'Discovery' apples are nearing ripeness and generally throughout the village I see very good crops of apple and pears developing. Payback for last season maybe!

All the open orchard trees are doing very well, no watering needed in January! The Pitt St trees have bounced back from lambs eating them. The peaches at Orokonui Rd are suffering from peach leaf curl, as they tend to in cool damp coastal areas. They will need winter spraying with copper or regrafting to something disease resistant.

Fundraising appeal for stall goods

We are fundraising to purchase more trees by selling donated produce, preserves, cooked food, garden plants and tools or anything related to gardening and harvesting at the upcoming WEGie Harvest Markets. The first of these is Sunday 20 February. Please drop off items you are able to donate to the Village Potager, cnr Foyle St and Doctors Point Rd (look for the sign) before the Sunday, or bring along on the day before the market begins at 10.30am.

Email waitatiopenorchard@gmail.com to join our mailing list or phone Jason Ross, 482 2625.

WOO Summer Pruning Workshop

Fruit Tree and Berry Bushes

Hands-on, learn as you practice, summer pruning of fruit trees and berries.
Summer pruning is great for encouraging fruiting of established trees and shrubs and helps keep to them small (great for espaliers).
We will prune: plums, apples, pears, black currants, gooseberries.

Bring warm clothes, gloves and sharp secateurs.

Booking essential, call Jason Ross, 4822625 or email waitatiopenorchard@gmail.com

Cost: $10 ($5 for Wegies)
Workshop Date: 1-5pm Saturday 5 February

Phone Sat morning if weather looks dodgy. See you there!

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