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From the Chair 4th February Trip to Awhitu - Earthtalk and Rae and Nigel A new year has started. How many of your New Year’s reso- Murray’s Garden lutions involved gardening things. Mine are • to label my plants better, especially in a way my The first Fieldtrip for this year is to Awhitu on 4th February, starting assistant gardeners (the chooks) can’t scratch at 10am at Earthtalk out when I allow them out of their run. This will be a chance to see a fabulous well designed permaculture • To put proper labels on my seed packets, not just property, that includes vegetable garden, orchards, chooks, re- the name but also the year and source. vegetation area and more. For more information see http:// • To make sure I sow at the right time, and plant www.awhitu.co.nz/ them out when ready. Please bring a plate for a shared lunch. Earthtalk have asked for a • To get rid of old out of date seeds, that clutter up Koha instead of the usual fee. Most groups are usually charged my seed box, and make it harder to find the $15 per person. Earthtalk provide fresh fruit and fruit juice. seeds I want.

After lunch we will be going to see the garden of Rae and Nigel We can control a lot of things in our gardens but always de- Murray. Rae and Nigel have been members of Seedsavers for pendent on the weather we are given. Usually in January many years. Please being a cup/mug for afternoon tea. Also bring gardeners are complaining about the lack of rain. At the be- a bag for cow manure. Rae and Nigel have said we can raid the ginning of this month it just didn’t seem to stop. The only cow paddock. –The supply will be rationed if the demand is too decent peaches I got were the Orion that were ripe early De- great. cember. All the rest due to ripen have succumbed to brown We plan to car pool from the Botanic Gardens. rot. This is a common problem with ’s humidity but Please contact Kathrina if you plan to go, as Earthtalk would like to this year was particularly bad. High humidity makes Toma- be advised of the likely number of people. Also I will need some toes prone to blight. My tomatoes have been reasonably idea of numbers to plan the car pooling. [email protected] or good this year, and I am keeping my fingers crossed. The 2671260 worst ones are the only 2 I bought as plants, and were planted the earliest. The ones I sowed from seed and put in 25th February Summer Meeting very late at this stage are all healthy. I hope to get a good Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa crop, but unfortunately my assistants have developed a taste Seed sorting starts at 9am for green tomatoes.

Meeting 10am to 2pm Topics include Mark Christensen of the Central Tree Crops Research Trust has sent us some of the beans that were grown from the New • How to save seeds Zealand Bean Hunt and also some heirloom varieties that • Richard Main talking about Community Gardens across have recently imported from the USA. There are many differ- Auckland ent varieties of beans, of different colour pods and seeds, • Seedsavers winning entry in the 2006 Ellerslie Flower Show different sizes and that have been grown for different uses DVD such as eating as a green vegetable, to dry and shell out • Discussion on the Food bill beans and there are also popping beans. Please bring any seeds you have saved to share and a plate for Continued on Page 3 lunch.

17th March Workshop 10am to 1pm Auckland Botanic Gardens Please see page 4 for more info on the “Food Bill” Maximum number 25 Other workshop dates are being finalised and will be held in May or June at various locations Auckland Seedsavers Acknowledge the help and information supplied from - April, date to be finalised Trip to Papatuanuku Ki Taurangi Running Brook Seeds. Owned &Operated by in Ellerslie Stella Christoffersen…. 14th July Mid winter meeting 34 Cooper Rd RD 4 Waiuku Ph (09) 2359138 2 Otara market Continued from Page 1 Have any of you been to the Otara market, held every Saturday morning. I haven’t May / June. Judy is investigating pos- been often, but having young family members in Auckland (Mainlanders and rela- sible venues. tives from Europe) I decided to include the Otara market in the Auckland/ New 14th July General Meeting Zealand experience. It is fascinating, and I think should be a compulsory experi- 15th September General Meeting. ence for anyone who wants to grow their own food. Both these meetings the agenda is to I had suggested to Stella Christoffersen, our seed bank curator and owner of Run- be advised. ning Brook seeds, that it was an experience that she would enjoy and find educa- Some time later in the year we have tional. So, Stella and Paul ( her husband) and I went to the market. We arrived an offer from Graham and Linda Mar- early – the only way to avoid parking problems, but more importantly it was the shall to visit their “Westie” garden, and only way we could expect the stall holders to be happy to tell us about their un- have lunch there. I believe they can usual vegetables. provide tea and coffee making facili- At the Otara markets you are able to buy any of the vegetables that you can see at ties. Also I suggest Derek and Julie the usual supermarket, but usually fresher and cheaper. However that was not Craig’s garden. what we had come to see. 17th or 18th Nov / At Otara markets there is the widest range of vegetables you can buy anywhere in Spinal Unit organised by Jayne, Do- Auckland, (except at a few other markets) reen. There were a lot of imported vegetables and fruit, but what we were looking for Quarter acre paradise -Also Dale Har- was items grown in Auckland. vey’s garden, it is different and I am sure would interest seedsavers. See The thing that was interesting is either plants that are considered weeds by many http://www.daleharvey.co.nz/ New Zealander for sale as an edible crop. It included Amaranthus - a couple of directory.htm I was there a few forms, watercress, puha ,a prickly form, fat hen fennel weeks ago and he does have a lot of flowers but also a lot of fruit trees, Another unusual item was the tips of shoots from various cucurbits including pump- vegetables, and he uses every bit of kin and bitter gourd. There were also fresh bamboo shoots. his garden. If you think my garden has There were large bundles of garlic chives to use as a vegetable, not just as a gar- a lot of trees, then you have to see his nish. garden.

Many different brassicas both European and Asian varieties were available, and This tree is tropical so may struggle in Auck- enormous daikon radishes. land, however I have read that all parts of the It was interesting that there was a lot of NZ grown garlic and almost none of that tree can be eaten, leaves the fruit – called horrible imported stuff. As it was garlic harvest time that is understandable, so I drumsticks because of their shape. If anyone will be interested to see if the imported garlic stays out. Red asparagus has any spare seeds, I’ll do a swap. Bitter gourd or melon Momordica charantia that Plants for sale included Rice paddy herb Limnophila aromatic, Curry leaf tree lives up to its name, however I was taught last Murraya koenigii leaves of which are used in all genuine Indian curries and Holy autumn that when the fruit is ripe and splits basil. Eryngium foetidum – long leaf coriander also know as stink weed was sold. open the flesh around the seeds is delicious. I haven’t tried it in my cooking yet, although I did get a plant. This vegetable is a traditional Indian treatment for diabetes. It can be grown in NZ but needs There was a shrubby branches for sale, that Stella and I could not recognise, so to be grown up a trellis as the fruit need to we bought a bundle. Fortunately another seedsaver member Ben Cheh called hang down. around later in the day remembered it from his childhood in Malaysia and could Bottle gourd/ New guinea bean Lagenaria identify it as the leaves of the Goji berry shrub Lycium barbarum traditionally used siceraria a relative of the squash, in soup, as a liver tonic. It has larger leaves than the cultivar usually sold in NZ so Lady’s fingers bindi Okra Abelmoschus escu- I am pleased managed to strike some cuttings. lentus I haven’t started on the fruit yet. Cow peas Water spinach Ipomea aquatica There are a lot of imported or greenhouse grown fresh vegetables, Luffa Luffa acutangula and L. culindrica ginger Zingiber officinale , turmeric Curcuma longa Both which can be grown in a Snake beans Vigna unguiculata green white green house in Auckland. Drumsticks Moringa oleifera also known as the Horse- and red radish tree. I have been told that there are plants available in Auckland but have Kathrina…. not seen them yet. 3

Fresh Tomato Relish. Continued from Page 1 Fresh Tomato Relish is perfect for Bruschetta, Italian Toast Slices Rubbed with Garlic and Olive Oil Prepara- These beans will be available to seed savers next year. We have tion time: 15 minutes contributed $500 to contribute to the cost of importing these beans. Ingredients: Beans need to have a Phytosanitary Certificate to be imported into 4 tbsp. olive oil, extra-virgin , which certifies that they were inspected by the USA 1/4 cup Italian parsley, freshly chopped equivalent of MAF to make sure they are free from disease. Mark 1/2 cup red onion, minced had to arrange for beans to be especially grown where the parent 1 lb. fresh tomatoes, liquid centres removed, then plants could be inspected and the correct papers issued. This was chopped both difficult and expensive, but the only way we can legally import 1 long green chilli pepper, cored, seeded and chopped unusual heirloom beans into New Zealand. (1/4 cup after chopping) 2-4 dashes of cayenne pepper, more or less as you like We have arranged an interesting range of meetings, trips and events 2 tbsp. tomato paste for this year. Do come to any you can. You will learn a lot, and gain 2 tsp. Sugar interesting seeds and plants. 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar Remember this is your newsletter, so do send in articles and pictures 1 tsp. Salt to Robin [email protected] Directions: Combine all the ingredients and mix well. We would love to see and hear what you are growing. Chill for 1 hour then serve as a dip or relish to accompany thick crusty slices of fresh homemade garlic bread or Happy gardening Kathrina…. Bruschetta, Italian toast slices rubbed with garlic and olive oil. Serves: 4 this recipe doesn't have garlic be- Earth whisperers: Papatuanuku cause you will be using it to top garlic bread and you want This DVD is highly recommended. It is a documentary about 10 vision- to taste the ingredients ary New Zealanders who each in their own special way is working posi- tively to help the environment. Hints for your late summer garden. Of special interest to me were Kay Baxter who started Koanga Gardens and has been working to save our heirloom seeds and trees for more Beans and tomatoes seem to really love being mulched than 30 years; Isla Burgess who is an extremely knowledgeable herbal- thickly with untreated sawdust at this time of year. Saw- ist; organic farmer Jim O’Gorman and tree farmer Hugh Wilson. How- dust robs the soil of nitrogen while it is rotting down but ever, all the stories are interesting and inspiring. large amounts of nitrogen are absolutely not wanted by The glorious photography is by Alun Bollinger who has made many New either of these plants at this time of year and the sawdust Zealand nature documentaries and there is lovely music by Richard really helps to hold soil moisture. However make sure the Nunns who composes and performs using traditional Maori instruments. soil has a good soaking before you apply this or any other You can request the DVD from your local Auckland library free of mulch. charge but you can also buy it on line from Wickcandle Film in Christ- Plant celery now, it is hard to grown organically in summer church. because it is so prone to rust, but planted now it will get a good start during February and March and then you can Judy Ackery…. pick it through the cooler months. Celery loves lime and lots of manure and seaweed and even a slosh of seawater Seedsavers Committee Members 2011. once or twice during the growing season. Asparagus loves the same treatment. Kathrina Muller 2671260 [email protected] If you have Florence fennel going to seed now it is won- Denise Peck 2671457 x201 [email protected] derful for attracting beneficial insects and the seed for Robin Scott 8384666 [email protected] making curries, but don’t sow that seed now. At this time of Judy Ackery 6345032 [email protected] year you want a variety that is suitable for autumn sowing. Tom Webb 2774440 [email protected] Kings Seeds and Franchi have some good autumn sowing Julia Tu'ineau 6368020 [email protected] varieties, like Zefa Tardo and Montebianco. Karen Fletcher 2965550 [email protected] Sow barley if you have space for a winter green manure Jayne Bright 2641564 [email protected] crop. It is especially good where you plan to grow toma- Genevieve Berthet 8322272 [email protected] toes in the spring. Doreen Yee 2709074 [email protected] . Winter spinach is good sown in March. Fresh seed should Sue Bell 2998760 [email protected] germinate readily but if your seed is a bit old soak it in hot Phyllis Wu 2621363 [email protected] water or put on wet paper towels in the frig for a couple of Gina Yelehich 092358673 [email protected] days before sowing, either method works. Stella Christoffersen 092359138 Judy Ackery…. Joe Allen [email protected] 4

Answer for Phyllis. My nectarine tree was full of small red fruit. Just as the birds Your Requests — Available or Wanted. started to show interest, they all split, went mouldy, and fell off the tree. I used no sprays – it did start with peach curl, then new Hi All, I am looking for a lime call 'sublime', I think leaves were good. Any idea what went wrong and how I can it's a Australian variety, small, compact and fruit all prevent it next year? year round with green colour good size limes. Is I often decide that the fruit is ripe when the birds start to show there anyone who could tell me where to get one. interest. This isn’t foolproof as I have found to my cost, harvest- Thanks Phyllis [email protected] ing and trying to eat fruit too early after seeing bird attacks. Sorry Phyllis, I don’t know, but I would like to know A lot of fruit including tomatoes often split if they have been why my nectarines failed this year. growing in dry conditions and then get a good watering. I think My nectarine tree was full of small red fruit. Just as this is what happened to your fruit. Try to keep the soil evenly the birds started to show interest, they all split, moist, - not really possible when we have had this rain since went mouldy, and fell off the tree. I used no sprays Christmas. Water well especially early in the season and have a – it did start with peach curl, then new leaves were good mulch. good. Any idea what went wrong and how I can prevent it next year? The mould would have been caused by brown rot. The only good PS. perhaps we could have a “ask the members” peaches I had this year were the Orion peaches that ripen at the column. Regards, Karen Fletcher beginning of December. All my other peaches and nectarines [email protected] have rotted on the tree because of the constant rain and humid- Hi Karen, here is my answer about the nectarines. ity we have had. My nectarine tree was full of small red fruit. Just as If you can grow your peaches and nectarines in the windiest the birds started to show interest, they all split, area of your garden, to help them keep dry and discourage hu- went mouldy, and fell off the tree. I used no sprays midity. One Yates guide recommended spraying fortnightly – it did start with peach curl, then new leaves were with Bravo, but I doubt even that would have helped a lot with good. Any idea what went wrong and how I can the weather we have had. prevent it next year? If you want a reliable fruit in Auckland, try some plums. Nettle Plant Tonic Kathrina…. Nettles brewed into tea can be used as a tonic for your plants as they excrete iron, nitrogen and pro- teins. It gives strength and flavour to any crop or plant. Nettles increase the fertility of the soil around them, by stimulating the humus structure and the activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil – Add The Food Bill : 4 – 5 large handfuls of nettles to a bucket of water, While it is good to see that finally the Herald has given some coverage soak 1 – 3 weeks (time will depend on climate), strain and dilute 1 part to 4 parts water. Use as to the impending Food Bill, this is too little too late. There has been so spray or water over plants to promote plant growth little media coverage of this bill and very little opportunity for the gen- and vigour and to boost plant health. Always wear eral public to get enough of the full picture to be able to adequately gloves when handling nettles as the whole plant is comment and object. covered in fine, sharp hairs which inflict painful The Food Bill is part of the Codex Alimentarus and its implementation stings. Rub area with dock leaves, rosemary, mint into NZ (and as many other countries in the world that the US can bully or sage leaves to relieve the sting. Joe jo- into it) has nothing to do with our health and ‘food safety’. [email protected] How is growing, saving and swapping seed a food safety issue? How is trading food and accommodation with a wwoofer for his or her A small hint Sylvia Shopland just sent me, When labour a food safety issue? they had bantams she found that putting the oxalis We have always safely grown vegetables in our back gardens and corms out on the lawn/path meant they were all digested shared or swapped our produce with friends and neighbours without and turned into chicken poo - might be worth trying? worrying about food safety. Come on! Sylvia Shopland

For those who want to be more involved you can go to these Kathrina is interested in seeds of Ninestar web sites for more info: Perenial Cauliflower, and other perennial vegeta- FOR AN ONLINE PETITION bles. http://www.petitiononline.co.nz/petition/oppose-the-new Zealandgov- Kathrina 2671260 [email protected] ernment-food-bill-160-2/ 1301 http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/Documents/Reports/ Robin would like a hand to dig over my vege patch. e/5/3/49DBSCH_SCR4962_1-Food-Bill-160-2.htm Phone 8384666 http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/Documents/Evidence/? Custom=00DBHOH_BILL9974_1