My mum is a generous plant lady. Many times I watched her wander her eclectic garden, trowel and bucket in hand, digging up self-sown seedlings and bits of plants to give away to visitors. Growing up, I also lived next to the plant nursery belonging to our good friends. The automatic mister coming on in the propagation greenhouse was a magical sight - watering all those tiny cuttings. How amazing that a stem could grow its own roots and become a new plant! Many years later, I wondered, how could I do this magical process on a small scale with simple equipment? Armed with an old copy of Geoff Bryant's book called 'Gardens for Free - A Propagation Handbook for New Zealanders', I set out to experiment. I added some skills from a horticulture course at the Lincoln-based Organic Training Centre's Biological Husbandry Unit, and now I'm a flower farmer!
Join me for a very practical workshop where you will:
Take a tour of my leased Flower Farm (in Yaldhurst, Christchurch) and my propagation greenhouse (In Templeton), taking cuttings or divisions from my cut flower perennials including some chrysanthemums. (20+ different perennials to choose from).
Take home all the equipment you need to keep your cuttings and divisions growing - to later be enjoyed in your garden or given to friends.
Take home 2 already rooted dahlia cuttings from named varieties (These cuttings were taken in spring, which is a better time to do them.)
Meet some other beginner or seasoned plant people.
Have some scrummy refreshments in a garden setting.
*Suitable for those with reasonable mobility, or bring a support person as there is walking and bending involved to access the perennials.
*You will need transport to get between the two locations. About 10 minutes drive.
Two dates available - choose preferred option from the drop down menu under 'date'.
Sunday 2nd April 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Tuesday 4th April 10.30am - 1.30pm
