Field Days & Meetings
* Visitors welcome at all our functions.
$5 for non-members (of NZTCA or NZFFA) to attend Canterbury field days - may be deductable from membership fee if attendee decides to join.
This list of events is typical of what you can attend to learn about tree cropping.
Events are advertised by your local branch newsletter, which is included in your membership fee.
PLEASE respect our generous hosts' property and other visitors' peaceful attendance. Bring NO pets.
Beware of health and safety hazards which may exist - children must be supervised. Bring sturdy footwear and suitable clothing. Let's all enjoy our day!
Newsletter Editors and compilers - Important note:
Branch Events
July 2008
Thursday, 24th July, 2008 at 11.00am
Canterbury Farm Forestry Field Day
20 yr old exotic plantation on a small holding of heavy clay downs. Tree Croppers are welcome to Mike's place a few kms from St Johns Church Horarata on the road to Coalgate.
The "Farm Forestry" sign will be out.
Sunday 6th July at 1 pm:
Hazelnuts - Pruning/flower data collection field day,
property of Declan and Robyn, Fernlea, at Fernside, Oxford Road
(Main Rangiora/Oxford Road, 6.5km west Rangiora) -
This field day notice doesn't leave much time to notify NZTCA members but
has been organised as a result of a couple of excellent days over the
HGANZ AGM in Queen's Birthday weekend.
NZTCA members are welcome – the
flowering time assessment is part of the Sustainable Farming Fund project
supported both by HGANZ and NZTCA.
Murray Redpath is coming down South again and has organised a fieldday as follows. If time permits we may tack on a look at Dehusking and sorting equipment. Details on the day.
“On the Monday of Queen's Birthday weekend I visited Declan and Robyn
at Fernlea (the property formally owned by Keith and Kathy).
Declan has continued to prune the trees after the field day
there in 2006 and has got about a third of the trees completed. I was
pleased to see that the trees have responded as I had hoped and thought
that it would be an ideal site to follow up the discussions we had on the
Saturday and Sunday of the AGM. We will be able to show members what
Terry's trees will probably look like next year.
“The first block that I pruned in 2006, where I was supposed to have used a
chainsaw, was not pruned hard enough and that shows up clearly now. So I
will definitely be using a chainsaw this time.
I hope that we can get an idea of times to prune the various size trees,
as we will have some major pruning (chainsaw and follow up similar to
Terry's) and some will be a quick follow up on smaller trees that only
need the equivalent of an annual prune.
“We hope to have various items of pruning equipment on display including small chainsaws suitable for orchard pruning.
“Flowering data collection:
I will be modifying the recording forms slightly as a result of comments
made during the AGM weekend and will email those out by June 27th so
growers can use the next weekend to see if they make sense using their own
orchards. I am hoping to discuss them with some overseas researchers but
many will be attending the Hazel Congress so I will probably have to wait
until later in July. However, we can get feedback from our members on the
6th. There should be plenty of pollen flowing and some of the varieties
there, such as Campanica, should be almost finished the pollen drop so we
can see how we get on assessing the end of pollen shedding.”
November 2006
- When:
- Sunday 26th November, 2pm
- What:
- Field Day and Christmas Get-together
- Where:
- (see below) - will be signs posted.
- Details:
- Field day - two venues:
At 2:00pm we will begin at Bill's & Marie's place on North Eyre Road, (the Darjon Winery is very close by). Here we will see a property of mixed nut plantings, some over 10 years old.
At 4:00pm we will gather at Krystina's place on Pittville Street, Loburn North to catch up on her Permaculture Project some of us saw last November and have a Christmas BBQ. Bring your own food to cook and something to drink. Lets hope for a sunny day.
October 2006
- When:
- Sunday 29th October
- What:
- Visit to Geraldine, including Barkers retail shop and factory and the Waihi Bush Flax seed oil Company
- Where:
- (see below) - will be signs posted.
- Details:
- Field day - Full details on exact times and places will come via email. The details will also be on the NZTCA website, here.
September 2006
- When:
- Sunday 24th September, 11am
- What:
- Ashburton Visit
- Where:
- Dobson St West, Ashburton - will be signs posted.
- Details:
- Field day - visits to NZ BioGrains, Oil Seed Extractions Ltd, and Trotts garden.
August 2006
- When:
- Sunday 27 August, 1:30pm
- What:
- Property of Bob and Lyn
- Where:
- Station Rd, Loburn - will be signs posted.
- Details:
- Field day -
Station Rd, Loburn. North off Carr Rd. There is plenty of parking along the driveway. Bob has suggested the following programme.
1:30 Meet at the Winters place, a 100yr old Loburn Homestead
1:30 ~ 3:00 Cow paddock turned Orchard. The result of 5yr development including:
· a native section (26 species)
· mature firewood section
· mixed species shelterbelt
· timber planting of oaks, Leylands & Robinias
· Almond orchard
· Pistachio orchard
· Olive orchard
· House supply fruit orchard
Also many old trees, some over 100yrs old.
3:00 ~ 4:00 Review of Almond Trial
conclusions and discussion
finish with a cup of tea
July 2006
- When:
- Sunday 16 July, 11am
- What:
- SAVE THE APPLE TREES!
- Where:
- Lincoln Bio-Husbandry Unit - will be signs posted.
- Details:
-
We have an opportunity to give the connoisseur apple trees at the Lincoln Bio-Husbandry Unit a future and learn something about pruning at the same time.
Bring your own gear — secateurs, loppers, chainsaws, the more people the more pruning we will get done.
At the moment the future of the unit is looking very doubtful. We hope it can be saved and used to the advantage of all growers in Canterbury.
We will start at 11am, bring your own lunch, if it is fine there will be a BBQ for your sausages.
To get to the orchard, travel past Lincoln University along Ellesmere Junction Rd towards Springston and look out for NZ Tree Crops sign on the left about 2km from the roundabout.
16 July Tree Crops Field Day at the Heritage Apple Orchard, Biohusdandry Unit
- from the Canterbury Branch newsletter; review by Krystina Hill
The Heritage Apple Orchard at the Bio-Husbandry Unit (BHU), Lincoln, has long been associated with the Canterbury branch of the TCA, in fact, three of the four founding members of the TCA were academic staff at the adjoining Lincoln University. So, when the Canterbury branch of TCA discovered by chance that the funding for maintaining the BHU had ended, leaving the Unit without funds or staff to winter-prune the apple trees this year, the committee stepped in, and volunteered to change the venue of the TCA Field Day arranged for July, (which had been planned to deal with winter pruning of fruit trees), to the heritage apple orchard instead. Many thanks to Mike Caldwell, who generously allowed us to postpone the FieldDay at his property.
The condition of many of the apple trees has been a concern for some years; some have damaged trunks at the base, others are leaning at a very dangerous angle, with their roots wrenched as a consequence. Obviously some varieties are much more vigorous than others, and had been planted too closely together, so that by now a considerable degree of overcrowding has occurred. Nevertheless, most varieties are in good health, despite being unpruned, unsprayed and unfertilised for at least the last four or five years - and are in fact a very good demonstration as to the robustness of these old cultivars under a non-intensive, organic, style of cultivation, with a herbal ley of primarily Wild Carrot as the orchard ground cover.
The Sunday of the Field Day dawned grey and drizzly, but everyone present hoped the weather forecast could be relied on and the clouds would clear later. After a quick meeting in the BHU's 'shed', at 11 am some fifteen or so committee and TCA members trooped down the lane towards the orchard, clutching chainsaws, pruning saws, loppers and secateurs of all shapes and sizes. Honourable mention should also be made of Linda Gardner, (Quality Tree Company) who generously gave of her time that Sunday, in order to help supervise the pruning and advise as to the vigour and growth habit of any apple cultivars that members were unfamiliar with. Many of the heritage apple trees in her catalogue are originally from the BHU orchard, and she has played a major part in making heritage apples available for sale to the public over the last few years.
On reaching the apple orchard, it was evident that even though the trees hadn't been pruned for cropping for a number of years, on close examination there was much less dead and diseased wood than had originally been feared, and re-shaping many of them to enable easier picking of the crop would be the best and fastest option. After a rather stern talk regarding the correct and incorrect pruning of apple trees, with multiple exhortations “to leave no stubs” (of pruned branches) due to the danger of introducing disease into the tree, and promoting useless whippy water shoots that are completely unproductive, the team 'set to' on the first rows of apples. Both Ivan and Linda had a layout plan of all the varieties along each row of trees, which made it easier to work out how much each tree should be pruned, with the proviso that no tree should be hard-pruned by more than a third of its framework, in order not to shock it into a subsequent demise!
Very sensibly the members with chain saws 'attacked' the tallest trees, while those of us with pruning saws and secateurs dealt with the smaller ones. There seemed to be a very good distribution between people who more or less knew what they were doing, and pruning beginners, so that there was always someone close by who could be asked about a finer point of pruning. An early outcome was the success of the TCA's minor mission to have the huge plum tree in the centre of the orchard spared from Ivan's chainsaw. Ivan was persuaded (without too much difficulty, it has to be said) to prune rather than fell the tree, especially after it was pointed out that in fact the plum tree was probably acting as a fruit decoy for the birds, who eat the plums and consequently leave many apples to ripen - which probably explains why it had been planted right in the middle of the apple orchard. The plum tree was carefully pruned to allow more room around it for the neighbouring apple trees, and now has a very elegant umbrella shape.
By the time lunchtime arrived, half the apple orchard had been pruned, and the sun had come out as well. Members adjourned to the BHU's 'shed' and, sitting around a huge plywood sheet 'table', with the help of home-made fruit cake, discussed pruning progress, future prospects for the BHU, and what place the heritage apple trees had in the general scheme of things. A TCA member correctly pointed out that keeping the trees just for the sake of it wasn't particularly sensible long-term, while others suggested that there was an intrinsic value in having a 'ready-made' genetic library of old varieties on nominally public land, rather than on privately owned lifestyle blocks. Discussions then arose regarding one of the present aims of the national TCA membership: to locate and establish living repositories of old fruit tree varieties in NZ, when in fact the present collection at the BHU is just such a South Island repository already.
After lunch, the suggestion was made that the pruning could begin from the other end of the orchard, and progress towards the middle, so that the greatest amount of trees could be dealt with that day. Everyone agreed that the idea was sensible, together with letting those with the chainsaw having first access to the ladder, enabling the taller trees to be dealt with systematically as had occurred before lunch.
By this time a number of volunteers were obviously developing a more than cursory interest in the varieties they were discovering in the orchard, with several people independently suggesting they would be very keen to have follow-up visit during the harvest season, in order to check on progress of the rejuvenated trees, and taste the actual apples. After canvassing all the volunteers and Ivan, it does seem likely that a fruit tasting visit will be organised this coming summer at some point, and hopefully the now elegantly spreading plum tree will fulfil its function of distracting enough wild birds, so that the heritage apple trees can provide a good selection of tree-ripened fruit to taste.
Members can hopefully enjoy the refreshingly sweet, crisp pink flesh and red skin of a Discovery, followed by a more complex Cox-like taste of Sunset; delight in the firm, winey flavour of a Reinette de Thorne, or bite into a NZ-raised (1934) Telstar. None of these varieties will ever find their way onto supermarket shelves, but their taste alone makes them worthy enough to be included in a home orchard, or for medium-scale organic cultivation. One particular variety, Hetlina, of which there are three trees in the orchard, was notable by having a very strange growth habit - in that it grows very slowly, into a perfect main leader 'pyramid' shape, requiring no training pruning at all, it seems. (Hetlina has been found to have strong anti-cancer properties in recent research by a TCA member.) Other varieties in the orchard include several un-named privately bred cultivars from Timaru, possibly the only such trees still in existence; Laxton's Fortune, a nicely compact variety from the UK (1904); Lundbytorp, an old dessert variety from Denmark and a good keeper, and the very late (and very vigorous) dessert variety Tydeman's Late Orange - Linda's particular taste favourite - and still offering, in mid-July, snacks to fortify oneself while pruning it.
By 4pm all the apple trees had been pruned; only four needing slightly more work to reduce their overall height. I think I can speak for all those present that everyone found this a very satisfying and successful outcome to the day; and the humorous comment to Ivan that far from being an eyesore and a disgrace, his apple orchard was now probably the best-pruned within the Lincoln University grounds, was actually not far from the truth.
Very many thanks to all the volunteers who took part in this very worthwhile Field Day, and I'm sure we're all looking forward to the summer BHU apple tasting!
May 2006
- When:
- Sunday 21st May, 12pm
- What:
- Commemorative Planting at Orton Bradley Park
- Where:
- Charteris Bay - will be signs posted.
- Details:
-
Meet for lunch at 12.00 pm, Picnic area 2.
At 1.00 pm go to the planting area. We will plant Commemorative Trees for Ross Jamieson, Roland Clark, Leo Watson and a 30th Anniversary for TCA.
The tree crops area is to the left of the main entrance halfway to the turnoff onto Castle Peak Road. Look out for the Tree Crops Association sign.
Report: Memorial planting at Orton Bradley Park
by Margaret Brenmuhl
After a committee meeting , we were joined by a good group of tree croppers. We had a picnic lunch and moved on to the Tree Crops block on the outskirts of the park along the main road.
Our concerns about stock getting into the block were reinforced as the horses ran out from among the trees. We fixed the weak point in the fence but agreed the Orton Bradley Park management would have to be much more diligent about keeping the trees secure. There was evidence of the damage the stock have done.
However buoyed by natural optimism we planted the trees Murray Mannall of Southern Woods had brought along. Stuart had been there earlier and sprayed out several spots for planting. There was some discussion about what should go where but with so many helpers how could we go wrong. Only one tree was planted twice.
A walnut tree was planted for Leo Watson who spent many years on Tree Crops committees and supporting events. A gingko tree was planted in memory of Ross Jamieson who was an inexhaustible source of tree knowledge. For Roland Clark, whom we remember as Nor’Wester a staunch tree planter in Canterbury and a man also willing to share his knowledge and experience with others, we planted a variety of hazels, his special interest. A copper beech represented the 30th Anniversary of the Canterbury Tree Crops Association
If you want to find the Tree Crops block, drive past the main entrance and turn up the little road next on the right. Cross a stile on your right and over a stream you will see the plot.
The trees are no higher than one to two metres at this stage. Hopefully the trees will be safe from the horses from now on.
2006 Annual Conference of NZ Tree Crops Association
'Cultivating Biodiversity', Masterton, Wairarapa, 2006 April 7-9
November 2005
- When:
- Sunday 20 November, 2pm
- What:
- Permaculture and Christmas barbecue
- Where:
- 2pm: Meet at the property of Krystina, Loburn North - will be signs posted.
- Details:
-
Travelling north from Christchurch, pass through Rangiora and over the Ashley River Bridge. You will be on Cones Road. Turn left into Dixons Road, then round the righthand bend into Whiterock Road. Continue to Loburn North (on Loburn Road), turn left into Chapel Road, and then finally right into Pittville Road. Look out for the Tree Crops Association sign.
Krystina will speak to us about the concepts of permaculture and self-sustainability, and will show us her own 0.5 ha property. She has been developing the property for 4 years, and feels it is just coming to the end of its set-up phase.
4pm: Christmas barbecue at the property of Keith and Denise, Swannanoa.
A barbecue will be provided and there will be hot water for tea and coffee. BYO everything else.
Keith and Denise's property is on Tram Road. This is west of the intersection with Two Chain Road, on the north side of Tram Road.
Contact person: Bill Ellery
October 2005
- When:
- Sunday 9th October 10:15am
- What:
- Tree planting at Orton-Bradley Park and visit to Purau orchard
- Where:
- Meet in the main carpark at Orton-Bradley Park at 1pm. Optionally, take a picnic lunch over to eat beforehand, in the picnic area at the top of the valley. Orton-Bradley Park is at the head of Charteris Bay, on the road between Teddington and Diamond Harbour - will be signs posted.
- Details:
- We will plant the trees that were dedicated to Roland Clark, and to the celebration of the NZTCA 30th Anniversary. We will also replant a tree dedicated to Leo Watson, as the current tree has been damaged by livestock.
At 2:30pm we will visit the property of Joke, Port Levy Road, Purau. The property is up Port Levy Road from the main road around the coast. There is a long driveway and some off-road parking. Joke has hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds as well as her home fruit orchard.
Contact person: Bill Ellery.
August 2005
| When: | Sunday 28 August 2005, 1 pm |
| What: | Workshop on weed control and new members' day |
| What: |
Workshop start time: 1pm The workshop is being run for us by Dr. Tim Jenkins of Connect Agriculture. Tim will cover alternative forms of weed management including mulching options, thermal weeding, understorey design and livestock input as well as strategic reduced use of herbicides. Meet at the Horticultural Teaching Lab at Lincoln University (see map below). The workshop will include both discussion in the lab and hands-on in the orchard at the Biological Husbandry Unit. Information for new members: 3:30pm Return to the Horticultural Teaching Laboratory. Afternoon tea will be provided, followed by speakers on topics of interest to new members. The first speaker will explain the aims and activities of NZTCA and the benefits offered to members, and the second will outline suitable tree crops for Canterbury. |
June 2005
| What: | Workshop on soil fertility and presentation to David Murdoch, recipient of Dr. Don McKenzie Award |
| When: | Sunday 26 June 2005; Workshop start time: 1pm |
| Details: |
An opportunity to learn about soil fertility, in a workshop run for us by Dr. Tim Jenkins of Connect Agriculture. The workshop will cover: determining suitability of your soil for tree crops and how to optimise the soil's performance, designing the tree crop system with emphasis on understorey management and fertiliser strategy, interpreting soil tests, and setting up monitoring using soil tests and foliage analysis. Meet at the Horticultural Teaching Lab at Lincoln University (see map, next page). The workshop will include both discussion in the lab and hands-on in the orchard at the Biological Husbandry Unit. Presentation start time: 3:30pm Return to Horticultural Teaching Lab. Afternoon tea will be provided. This will be followed by a presentation to David Murdoch in honour of his receiving the highest award given by NZTCA, the Dr. Don McKenzie Award, for his services to Tree Cropping . A number of David's colleagues from the early days of the walnut and hazelnut trials are planning to attend. |
April 2005
| When: | Sunday 3 April 2005, 1 pm |
| What: | NZTCA Almond Trials field trip, North Canterbury |
| Where: |
1.00pm: Meet at the established orchard of Jim and Paula Hodges, 142 Mertens Road (this is not one of the trial orchards; the trees are several years old). Mertens Road is about 2km west of Rangiora on the Rangiora-Oxford Road. Heading towards Oxford, turn right into Mertens Road. 2.15pm: Meet at Denise & Keith Jordan-Smith's property, at 1440 Tram Road. This is one of the trial blocks, with 2 year old and 1 year old almond trees. There are also olives and hazels to have a quick look at if you choose. Drive in, park in front of shed or go past hedge and park in olive paddock. 3.30pm: Meet at Bill and Marie Ellery's property, at 424 North Eyre Road. This is one of the trial blocks, with 2 year old and 1 year old almond trees. There are also hazelnuts on the property. Drive in and park on grassed area by the bend in the drive. Travel time between orchards is about 10 minutes. Contact person: Keith Jordan-Smith |
February 2005
| When: | Sunday 20 February 2005, 12:30pm |
| Where: | Orton Bradley Park |
| What: | Orton Bradley Park and AGM Contact person: Bill Ellery 12:30pm: Those who wish can meet for lunch at the designated picnic area (go past all the buildings and on up the valley). Coin-operated gas barbecues available. BYO everything else. Toilet facilities available. 1:30pm: Meet at Orton Bradley carpark (on your right, just before the buildings) for the Canterbury Branch AGM. The AGM will be held in one of the nearby buildings if wet. 2:30pm: Two trees will be planted – one in honour of the 30-year NZTCA Anniversary, and the other as a memorial for Roland Clark (one of the founders of NZTCA) who recently passed away. 3:00pm: We will go for a tour of the plantings at Orton Bradley Park with tour guide Ross Jamieson. |