Sign In / Register
Historic fruit trees dating back to the days when Puhoi was settled by migrants from Bohemia may get a new lease of life, thanks to a community orchard project for the township’s riverside park.
The Puhoi Community Forum is planning to plant nine fruit trees in the Puhoi Pioneers Memorial Park, on the site of the redundant A&P show sheep pens north of the domain next to the pony club grounds, which were cleared recently by Auckland Council.
Forum co-chair Dustyn O’Leary says a community garden was first proposed for the grassed area.
However, since most local residents already have their own gardens or land to maintain, it was decided instead to use the space to plant and preserve some of the many historic fruit trees that remain in the area, including gardens and the church grounds.
Using her professional skills as a landscape architect, she has drawn up detailed plans and a planting scheme for residents to view and discuss.
“We’re on about the fourth revision now, we’ve had lots of feedback,” she says. “We’ll probably plant modern heritage varieties that have hardy rootstocks this year and then graft on cuttings from local heritage trees once they’re established, so they have the best chance of survival.”
Final decisions on the balance of fruit varieties are yet to be made, but will probably include pear, plum, fig, apple, persimmon and citrus trees, plus three grapevines. There will also be underplanting with a range of low-growing plants that attract bees and deter pests, such as borage, comfrey and chamomile.
The first stage of work will involve drainage works and planting rootstocks, plus moving and restoring the former tennis club pavilion that now sits between the orchard plot and pony club. That will be followed by construction of a frame for the grapes and horse pens for the pony club, plus a possible petanque court and veggie gardens at some stage in the future.
The community orchard and pony club development is the latest in a series of projects to improve the Memorial Park. Although owned by Council, the Puhoi Community Forum formally took over responsibility for managing the parkland grazing lease in 2013 and has since carried out a range of activities, such as extensive weed clearance and planting, to improve the amenity for locals and visitors.
Ms O’Leary says that while some funding will come from the grazing lease, much of the work for the orchard and associated works will be voluntary.
Top five outdoor tasks
Ashleigh and Tony Jillings from Monster Housewash and Gutters have been working on the Hibiscus Coast for three years, and have learned a few tricks and tips along the way to help keep your property looking and working as it should. Here are their Top 5 Tips to keep in mind as we say goodbye to the winter months.
- Decks and wooden stairs can get very slippery if they get dirty. We have heard of people breaking legs. Make sure these areas are kept clean to avoid slips and falls.
- Keep roofs clean and free of moss, mould and lichen. Lichen can oxidise and corrode Colour Steel, or wash into your tank and taint your water.
- Blocked downpipes can cause water to back up and get into places it shouldn’t. Check them regularly (or ask a professional to do it for you).
- Shrubs or trees against the house can cause mould and dirt to build up. Make sure they’re pruned back to avoid this.
- Green moss can build up on concrete driveways and paths over winter when those areas don’t see much sun. This can be slippery and doesn’t look nice. A hose and brush will help keep moss at bay, or get a professional soft wash to really bring it back to its former glory.
