Saturday 29 October 2005

Richard Ware reports ...

One of those wonderful Hawkes Bay days – clear skies – warm weather it’s one of those wow days.

After getting acquainted some fifty eager propagators set off in typically IPPS early mode from the Napier Marine Parade – along the scenic route (to Plant Production) through the port area and the now revamped old fishing and wool store area of West Quay Ahuriri with boutique shopping and seaside restaurants.

On arrival at Plant Production Limited we found ourselves in groups visiting various stations on which we viewed and participated in technical sessions that were facilitated by long time IPPS member Richard and the two Pauls. The ones I enjoyed were the new trimmer, even getting to push some trays of plants through.

The new plug washer and automatic dibbler, they were amazing. Got to push a dirty tray through and came out dishwasher clean.

Which way up should your cutting go’ used the classic Bougainvillea, which at times gets propagators guessing. Remember, thorn at the top. Another good thing about these unique technical sessions was the tables of fresh fruit, hot savouries and a few sweets scattered around which let you nibble and drink while you learnt. Thanks to the staff for all their hard work in organising this.

Then it was down the hill where we learnt about the unique micro climate and north facing slopes that gave nearly all year round growing in a virtually frost free climate given by the proximity of the sea and large valleys. On the way down the growing slope we were shown some of their superb handiwork – some sixty-two growing houses of well-grown and trimmed liners.

Then it was off to Anderson Nurseries, manager Peter Lindroos, whom was also on the tour, was our host. Our bus must have had all the heavies on it because one of the tires didn’t make it – not to worry the first bus soon came back to our rescue.

We then got to look at one of New Zealand’s oldest leading indoor plant specialists – where we were taken around some of their 9000 square metres of green house area. Peter made sure we were well versed with their propagation procedures as well as a good tour of their facility.

Worthy of note were top class Spathaphyllum great compact Anthuriums, and a great range of Palms stock. Well done Peter, and his team, in all a very good and interesting visit. It was thanks to Peter and onto the buses for Mystery stop. This was especially for the sweet tooth.

Yes, you guessed it, Silky Oak Chocolate Factory where we saw how the chocolate was made and got to sample it. I must say the extra dark chocolate was extremely good, on looking around it was good to see some of our members getting their morning fix.

All sweetened up we were to leave the Napier area for Hastings where we were the guests of long time IPPS members Peter and Jenny Bennett, whom were also on the tour, owners and operators of the Plant Propagation Laboratory in Hastings.

We got to see and handle tubes of plants in-vitro being able to examine these at close quarters.

I really enjoyed being shown around Peter and Jenny’s facility there were many people working transferring the little tissue plants and they seemed to have shelves and shelves stacked full of lots of interesting specimens. Peter spent a time with us in real IPPS sharing fashion explaining media mixes and showing us where they were made, showing us different cultures and explaining some of the vagaries of tissue culture and the benefits of it. Yes, there were a lot of questions after and it was a good an informative visit. Thanks very much to Peter and Jenny for sharing.

Then it was onto the village of Havelock North looking at the nice gardens that they have around the village. Havelock North is situated in the foothills of Te Mata Peak. From there we ascended up through the lush hills up the windy roads, some not for the faint hearted and took our two buses right to the very top where Bobbi, the secretary of Plant Production had done a wonderful job of arranging our meals.

What a view! We were treated to something just fantastic. It was a beautiful day, clear skies a warm breeze and everyone really enjoyed the stop complete with Hang-gliders taking off and soaring above us and looking over the whole of Hawkes Bay with Hastings and Napier it’s main cities being prominently displayed, viewing the vast horticultural ventures on the Heretaunga Plains spread out below easily being able to see where we had been and were about to go.

After we were well fed and rested, those who were strong of limb took off for a walk down to the half way mark to meet the buses and in great style Gus Evans led the way, Mr. Fitness himself. The walk was a very good time of seeking, sharing and discussing on the way of the things we had seen and hoped to see.

Picked up by the buses we proceeded down to Oderings Nursery managed by Daniel Hart. Oderings is one of Hawkes Bay’s top garden centres as well as a bedding plant grower supplying seedlings grown at their nurseries to all their branches. There we viewed some of the latest technology; they had a team of workers working on that Saturday with plug dibblers, tray fillers and automatic planters. We were shown seeding and Daniel really did us proud sharing a lot of their latest technology. Daniel was barraged with many interesting questions after his tour.

Daniel certainly is an inventive guy. We saw many of his wonders in action, even a cart that laid out newly planted seedlings in rows, also an area for root pruning with wires that the trays sat on. He has also purchased a large forty-foot container for germinating his seedlings. It was a really interesting stop. Well done Daniel, and thank you for sharing your knowledge with the IPPS members.

Onto the next stop, A local Hawkes Bay Winery, this was kept as a surprise as this winery made a lot of wine from natural fruits. It really was a good stop with afternoon tea of many fruits and cheeses and crackers as well as sampling the many wines they produce including boysenberry, kiwifruit, apple and of course grape wines. Also on the tasting menu were the homemade fudges they are famous for in Hawkes Bay. In typical IPPS style I don’t think there was a quiet moment amongst anyone as we discussed the day’s events. Well good things can not go on forever so we had to leave the wine and the goodies behind and depart for our motels with a few whom braved the mini golf on the Marine Parade.

Well, as the evening dawned we all gathered together for a buffet style dinner on Napier’s Marine Parade numbering approximately forty for a typical IPPS seek and share gathering. It was good to get alongside the people that you hadn’t had a chance to talk with during the day and sample some of the bays fine produce at the Napier Cosmopolitan Club. We had a time of fun, Plant Production had donated a cup for the ‘Best All Rounder of the Day’ and that went to Julie and Dale of Harrisons Country Gardenworld for winning the golf tournament.

Plus mini prizes for some of the other members who had excelled at different things during the day all in all it was a mighty day. If you weren’t there you missed something great.

A huge thank you to the team at Plant Production Ltd that organised this wonderful IPPS Field Day.