We’re planting trees!
Latest update - An extra 300 trees were planted in 2021, over 350 more in 2022 and 350 in 2023!
As the old Chinese proverb says: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." So now it is. Winter 2020, we decided we’d plant 200 trees on our property - and so we did. It was our first very own tree planting project. And definitely one of many.
As we bought our slice of paradise back in 2018 we set our long term goal to re-vegetate the land and transform it into a green oasis and bird haven. We’re privileged to live in what we think is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. In the sweet hills of Manawahe, conveniently located between Whakatane, Rotorua and Tauranga. The 1.9 hectares of land used to be part of an old farm, with a small portion forming a modest native bush, protected by the QEII National Trust - which means it’s there forever! It’s a wonderful feeling. The rest of the land is grassy and hilly. In dire need of trees!
Luckily the previous owner had the same vision as us and about 7 years ago planted 700 native trees himself. This gave us a great head start. Year after year we notice the trees grow and seedlings pop up out of the ground, which brings us a huge amount of joy. Nature is definitely on our side. We now feel this is our chance, and in a way, our responsibility to give back to the Earth and help nature restore itself.
Planting Day was locked in for Saturday 18th 2020! We’d previously prepared the area, scraped the grass off and got all our gear ready (weedmats, tree tubes, stakes) - and of course chosen our selection of native trees: manukas, kanukas, kowhais, ake ake, pittosporum, lemonwood, toe toe, cabbage trees… Holes were dug, trees were planted. We laid weedmats on the soil and placed tree tubes around the seedlings to give them the best chances at survival. It rained and rained that day, the trees had a good water in (and so did we!).
After a full day planting, all the trees had found their new forever home. It was hard work, but definitely very rewarding! We’ll monitor the trees to see how they’re getting on, making sure the weeds aren’t taking over or animals aren’t feeding off them. For the rest, we’ll let nature take it’s course, sit back, watch them grow - and start planning for next year :-)
The planting team, Nigel (Rocky’s dad), Rocky and Claire
Are you thinking of getting some trees in the ground but not too sure where to start? If you need a few tips on how to plan your planting project and get your native trees off to a great start, we’d recommend having a look at this video from Trees that Count. Very informative and helpful!
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading and happy planting!
Claire and Rocky from HapPea Events.