Green thumbs ready for garden gala

LUSH: Zac Anstis (left), Vanessa Taylor and Sarah Milne surrounded by plants to be sold at Opaki School's Garden party Plant Sale in November.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The children at Opaki School, with their mums and dads, are gearing up for the school's garden party and plant sale, which has become a yearly "must" for gardeners throughout Wairarapa.

Thousands of plants, many grown from cuttings and seed, will go on sale on Sunday, November 8, and right now the school is a hive of activity with pupils and parents potting up loads of plants.

Event organiser Pam Blackburn says that, for the fifth year running, there will be a "fantastic variety of plants, flowers and vegetables for sale" at the garden gala, a five-minute drive from central Masterton.

These will include clivia, peonies, hydrangeas, hostas, heucheras, roses and irises.

For the vegetable garden there will be tomatoes, capsicum, zucchinis, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, onions, several varieties of lettuce and herbs, including basil and rosemary.

Mrs Blackburn said that in the past year "and with the help of an amazing team of pupils, parents and grandparents, we've grown around 4000 plants and have just started seeding vegetables, pots of colour and a variety of flowers".

She said, as in previous years, the plants have been sourced locally, donated by friends of the school or by people who had connections to the school.

The garden gala is one of the school's biggest fundraisers for the year and a true community event.

New to the garden party this year will be the inclusion of garden art made by some of the school parents, as well as furniture made from wooden pallets.

Returning will be the cut-flower arrangements stand and "pop-up" cafe in the school hall, with pupils selling home-made baking and treats.

Eftpos will be available on site at the cafe and to purchase plants.

Mrs Blackburn said that, over the years, the reputation of the pop-up cafe had grown and the pupils clamoured to help run it.

"I am thrilled to say it's back again this year, selling fresh home baking, tea, jams, pickles and chutneys.

"There will also be a coffee cart, live piano music and a grocery raffle - so something for everyone," she said.

The garden party plant sale will open at 8.30am.