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We assembled for an interesting coach tour around the scenic Otago Peninsular
FIELD TRIP INFORMATION - Property of Peter Cooke and Anna Moore
"Our property is 4.5 hectares on the north-east slopes of Harbour Cone (Pukemata), a very distinctive conical hill on the Otago Peninsula. When we purchased the property 20 years ago, it had been cut over for kanuka firewood and was grazed by cattle and sheep. On one dry ridge was a remnant stand of rimu and pokaka (Elaeocarpus hookerianus). About 70 trees, these are the only surviving trees of this type on the peninsula."
The hike uphill from the coach limit was rewarded by attractive tree-enhanced views; of bays, and Harbour Cone up close.
A young tree against distant peninsular tops, framed by vegetation established using plenty of compost and mulch.
Many of the seedlings are on-grown on site, and surpluses sold.
Distant native bush is rare and precious on the peninsular, and is being improved.
"We built our house and began planting fruit trees — initially, dwarf apples for Dr Don Mackenzie's selections (Egremont Russet, Tydeman's Late Orange, Lord Wolsely, Lobo, etc.). Other cropping trees followed; macadamia, hazels, walnuts, sweet chestnut, olives, carobs, etc. The site we chose for these is a tough, north-facing slope with clay soil. All the top soil had been denuded after the clearing of the kanuka. However, it was reasonably sheltered and virtually frost-free. The trees have grown slowly and are all doing quite well, even though the loquats, macadamias and carobs have not yet flowered."
Peter introduced us to their garden and orchard slopes.
"Following the fruit trees we have established about 2 or 3 acres of "woodland" garden with large herbaceous plantings, rock walls, paths and a large selection of rhododendrons (over 200 species and hybrids), as well as rare trees and shrubs."
And around the mulberry bush...
... we saw palm trees being fostered by kanuka shelter, and red alders growing enviably well to shelter and help dry a damp area.
Many other trees, shrubs and plants were being well cared for in this delightful microclimate, obviously enhanced by years of persistent input and care.
After a most welcome morning tea, we were tramping again through more plantings.
"On another ridge of the property Dr Stephan Halloy (of Crop & Food Research) has planted a large selection of trees and shrubs from South America as part of a biodiversity project. The selection includes cold hardy fruit trees grown from seed collected in the Andes region, such as tamarillo, avocado, strawberry guava, Hex paraguariensis (mate tea), Juglans australis (Andean walnut), loquat and feijoa. This is also a tough site for plant establishment, with no irrigation, poor soil and long grass. Despite this, some of them are doing extremely well. In the same area, we are also planting an Araucaria forest with the edible seed varieties A. angustifolia, A. araucana, A. bidwillii and ornamental/timber varieties A. hunsteinii, A. heterophylla and A. cunninghamii."
Stephan introduced us to his South American introductions.
In small clearings in the sheltering kanuka, most seedlings struggled in the poor soil of the upper slopes.
Growth on the lower slopes was much healthier. A special tree had set some seed.
We were lucky enough to find unripe and ripened seed fruit.
We farewelled a group of walnuts surviving well, and scurried down to our coaches.
"Our latest project is a valley of cold-hardy palms, cordylines and tree ferns. This is in the process of being developed and includes palms with edible fruit — Butia capitata (Jelly palm), Jubaea chilensis, Parajubaea coccoides and other hardy palms, such as Rhopalostylis, Howea, Ceroxylon and Hedyscepe."
Next stop was Port Chalmers, for lunch.
(Quoted "commentary" is from the Field Trip Notes)
Editor - Les Gruebner
Photos - Les Gruebner
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Created: Monday, 9 June 2003 - Updated: 2007 August 10