Gardens and gifts — a two-way flow

18 November 2013

Separate events at two of Taranaki’s premier public gardens this weekend highlight a seasonal theme: Gifts and giving.

Those who would like to give time and energy to Pukeiti can attend a volunteer recruitment session on Saturday (23 November) from 11am to 1pm. Prospective volunteers will be treated to a walk, a talk and lunch, but registration is essential – call 0800 736 222 or email regional.gardens@trc.govt.nz.

“If you’re interested in people, gorgeous rhododendrons, beautiful gardens or our natural environment, Pukeiti needs you,” says the Taranak Regional Council’s Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine. “Volunteers can get involved in a range of tasks, from hosting visitors to helping the gardeners.”

Home gardeners who want to add a personal touch to the festive season can attend a free public workshop at Hollard Gardens, Kaponga, on Sunday (24 November) to learn how to create  Christmas decorations and gifts from flowers and plants.

The workshop runs from 2pm to 4pm at the new Hollard Centre. “We’ve run similar workshops in previous years and they’ve always been popular – a refreshing antidote to the heavy commercialism that can engulf us at this time of year,” says Mr Rine.

The two events are part of a year-round calendar of free activities at the three Taranaki Regional Council gardens, Pukeiti, Tupare and Hollard Gardens. For more information, see www.pukeiti.org.nz,   www.hollardgardens.info and www.tupare.info. Social media users can also follow the Taranaki Regional Council Gardens on Facebook (TaranakiRegionalGardens) and Twitter (@TaranakiRG).

ENDS

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