So, it has begun once again. We’re up to our old tricks again. This time it was brought about by an unscheduled rental move to Brook Street, commonly known to those living at the top of it, where we live, “Scott Base”. This is probably due to the comparatively harsh weather the residents’ experience as to other parts of Nelson. It is peaceful, quiet, clean and green. Multiple tramping walks abound yards from our doorstep with a sanctuary akin to Jurassic Park obvious to see. The access and control to it are strictly maintained. The surrounding area is also a mountain bikers paradise and is rigged to support active pastimes and healthy pursuits.
We saw the gardens during a cycle, paying it a visit quite by chance. Deep into her plot, a friendly resident gardener gave us a guided tour and the information we needed to touch base with the community garden leader. This we did, and soon, we were inducted into the community ethos with others after being allotted a small patch. Where we lived before the Brook Street move, we extended a raised bed area, especially during the uncertainty of the initial COVID lockdown when we had time on our hands to do so and not much else. So, we weren’t exactly new to this process, having allotments for several years back in the UK. This you see if you read back through this plog. However, we decided to do the contrary in this situation, Toni and I both decided to plant a variety of soft fruit in plot 20.
After clearing the small patch, we went to buy gooseberry, red and blackcurrant bushes, raspberry canes and blueberry plants. Rhubarb was also purchased a little prematurely after discovering much growing “native” in the surrounding area from previous disused and overgrown plots. We erected the supporting framework our raspberries would require when they matured. Being more analytical than me, Toni found the research material easy to source and off to the shops we went. Within a few hours, the stakes and wiring were in place, and the plants dug in. We are very aware of the open nature of the Brook Community Garden, and many people pass by or visit out of interest or curiosity. We are also plagued by those who thieve produce and materials. There seems not much we can do about this except make their intentions hard work. This we will plan with the netting that will need to go over the plot soon.
Being part of a community is, I suppose, the main intention of this project of ours. We lack a tribe that we can relate to and be a part of. We are both relatively solitary people, probably due to the intense nature of our jobs, but we can see here opportunities to connect and learn from like-minded others. The small plot is one of a dozen or so nearby us on the edge of the garden. The community is also home to like-minded others, composter enthusiasts, beekeepers, chicken lovers and plant growers. We all have a duty of care to the upkeep and maintenance of the garden giving our free time, on occasion, to that cause. We also pay a poultry sum to the community to use the land upon which our fruit and learning grow.
So, capping this short post off, we hope to engage with our brothers and sisters, extend our knowledge and dive deeper into this rarified culture called The Brook Community Garden. Part 2 will take us up to the new year where our netting journey begins and maybe even beyond.
Off The Plot in New Zealand - The Ongoing Journey 