October 2024
Welcome to our October newsletter
Photo: The glorious borders which frame the verrandah at The Grange in Cheviot.
You can pay as you go
Online ticket sales have now closed. However, you can still come along and enjoy the properties on show during the Festival! Gardens are $10 cash per adult on entry and Historic Homesteads are $20 cash per adult on entry.
If you need help planning your trip, download our handy guide from the website. It has the maps for each cluster, information about each property and helpful notes for eating, accommodation and more.
www.hurunuigardenfestival.com
The Cheviot Floral Group is hosting the 2024 Floral Designer of the Year! Why not head down to the Cheviot Knox Church during the Festival to check out the exhibits. You are also invited on Thursday 31st October to join the Cheviot Floral Group for lunch and to visit three of the Festival gardens. For more information about the luncheon or about entering in the competition, please see the flyer attached at the end of this newsletter.
Irises putting on a show in this grouped planting at Maskells Garden in Amberley
October Gardening by Sarah Black
Spring is definitely in full swing now as gardens burst into life, showcasing the vibrant colours and fragrances. With some warmer temperatures and longer days thanks to daylight saving, it’s the perfect time to dive into both your vegetable and flower gardens.
October is the prime time for sowing seeds either directly into the soil or in punnets to transplant later. Consider planting carrots, radishes, lettuce, and peas. For those looking to establish more substantial crops, it’s also a great time to germinate tomatoes, courgettes, and peppers, however keep them inside until the frosts have passed. My Grandad always said to plant out after Labour Day, but these days it seems to be safer after Canterbury anniversary day!
It is also time to plant spring annuals like marigolds, petunias, and cosmos. These flowers will provide vibrant colour throughout the season. Don’t forget to plant perennial bulbs if you haven’t already—think dahlias and gladioli for late spring blooms.
Continue to keep on top of the weeds and supply nutrients for the rapidly growing plants by using both mulch and fertiliser. If the winds at your place are anything like the gales we get here in the Hurunui, mulch is a must for trying to retain any moisture Mother Nature might give. Speaking of rain, there has not been a lot of it here so, starting up the regular watering is a must. While you're laying out the hoses or carrying the watering can, you can start thinking about plantings you would like to add for summer colour.
This year, I have noticed a very early influx of aphids. Keep an eye out for them and other pests such as slugs. Consider using organic solutions like neem oil, companion plants which ward off pests or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to manage populations naturally.
Trim back any dead or damaged foliage from perennials to encourage new growth. Deadheading spent blooms on your flowering plants will promote further flowering and keep your garden looking tidy. If you get heavy frosts in your area, you may wish to wait to avoid having to repeat trimmings when new growth gets burnt.
Enjoy soaking up the sunshine this Spring and getting those hands dirty in the soil. The fruits of your labour will be worth it.
Creekside Garden in Cheviot looking like a lush oasis surrounded by mature trees.
Sponsors Spot
Leithfield Beach Holiday Park is a family orientated seaside camp located in North Canterbury, 40kms north of Christchurch, with popular cafés, wineries, and other attractions of the Hurunui District nearby.
Leithfield Beach Holiday Park is one of the few dog friendly campsites in the South Island of New Zealand that welcomes dogs all year round, school holidays included.
Accommodation consists of power and tent sites, some with sea views, one cabin and 2 onsite caravans. The basic beach facilities are spotless, and the shared kitchen has an alfresco dining patio. Amenities are contemporary and include wheelchair access.
The facilities at the camp and nearby surroundings include a tennis court and a children's pool. Fishing, swimming and river walk are some of the major recreational activities in the area.
There is a camp store / dairy that is open 7 days a week and takeaway caravan operating Fri and Sat evenings.
Since 2005, we’ve been working together with Kiwis to help protect their livelihoods with comprehensive business insurance. We’re known for our in-depth knowledge, decades of technical expertise, and commitment to providing smart, customised services.
Our Sponsors
Introducing the 2024 line up of sponsors! We would really appreciate any support you are able to give the wonderful businesses who sponsor us.
DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSOR
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS
BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS
If you want to contact the committee, or require any information contact us via our email address info@hurunuigardenfestival.com
If you haven’t ‘liked’ our Facebook or Instagram page yet, we recommend you do as we are often posting snippets of information and updates – more regularly than newsletters.
Check out our website www.hurunuigardenfestival.com which holds information about the gardens, places to go, see and do. This will be updated regularly as we lead up to the festival in October.
