Last week I spoke to the Invercargill Herb Society about Open Orchard, the project to bring back Southland's apple orchards. We discussed a wide range of ideas including the future of Southland's home vegetable gardens, how young people often seem unaware of how their food is produced and the increasing rarity of drinkable water. The evening was a very enjoyable one and we covered a lot of ground! Thanks to the organisers for a very productive time.
I spoke again this Wednesday to a landusers group at the Aparima dairy farm of Peter and Glenys Williams about the progress of Open Orchard and the value of apples to Southland's farming community. We had a close look at the Williams' new 'old' orchard, planted with reliable, tried and true Southland apple varieties and were impressed by the progress the trees were making. Most of the people at the meeting bought heritage apple trees to plant at their homes and again, it was an enjoyable and productive time.
4 comments:
Could you speak to a group of older people Robert? Some of my clients will remember the orchards you are talking about and probably have some stories for you.
Clandy
Clandy, I'd be happy to come and talk and you are right, it's the older people in our community that have first hand knowledge. I was taught to graft and prune by an elderly orchardist/sawmiller from Longwood.
Please email me at;
guy10@actrix.co.nz
and we'll organise a visit.
Robert
This would be a good opportunity to collect stories from the older generation who grew up with these orchards as part of the Oral Heritage project through the Invercargill library. Lynne Grove at Riverton could put you in touch with the person in charge.
At these meetings, do you wear your suit?
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